This image of a Syrian baby lying lifeless on the beach is too heartbreaking to ignore

This image of a Syrian baby lying lifeless on the beach is too heartbreaking to ignore. But that is precisely what Gulf countries have been doing -- refusing to give safe haven to desperate families fleeing war. Our leaders will only move to humanity if the public outcry is too loud to ignore. Join the call for an urgent plan to host refugees and tell everyone:  SIGN THE PETITION Dear friends, This image of a Syrian baby lying lifeless on the beach is too heartbreaking to ignore. But that is precisely what Gulf countries have been doing -- refusing to give safe haven to desperate families fleeing war.  The Gulf’s refugee policy is our region’s shame. But now we have a chance to change that. For years images of dead Syrian babies have covered our screens, but this image has shocked the world, and finally we have a chance to demand Gulf leaders respond with the humanity this crisis deserves. Turkey has taken 1.8 million, Lebanon 1.2, and Jordan 600,000 Syrians, but Gulf governments haven’t taken a single refugee in the last 5 years! The Gulf can do this, but won’t unless enough of us demand it. Our community has over a million members across the region --if we all tell 10 friends, we could create the biggest Refugee Welcome campaign ever. Let’s counter the fear and xenophobia with our open arms. Sign the urgent petition -- Avaaz will deliver it to every leader until they respond: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/no_more_drownings_mena/?byOwGhb&v=64525 With no peace in sight to wars like Syria, their choice to board a boat may be the only one they have. Like millions of others, Baby Aylan’s family was desperate, so much that they were willing to travel all the way to Canada. Their story is heartbreaking -- they could've died from chemical attacks or barrel bombs, but instead Aylan and his family died drowning on their journey to safety. But if enough of us speak out, their tragedy can be the spark to help millions of others. Gulf countries have given millions in humanitarian aid, and without that help, refugees in neighbouring countries would be much worse off. But money isn’t enough. Our region can share the burden of giving these families sanctuary. And if enough of us support their cry for help, no more children need drown in the Mediterranean.  This is about our basic values and humanity. Governments everywhere are hearing the public’s outcry and opening their doors. It’s up to us to make it happen in our region. Let’s demand that refugees get the safe haven they desperately need. Sign now, then share this urgent call everywhere -- right now is the moment to force the Gulf to accept their moral responsibilities: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/no_more_drownings_mena/?byOwGhb&v=64525 This human drama is beyond many of our worst nightmares. But for years Avaaz has been working to end the war in Syria and get a humane refugee policy. Now it’s time we raise history's loudest cry ever to welcome refugees in the region, before another child drowns.  With hope and determination,  Rewan, Wissam, Luis, Alice, Mais, Mohammad and the entire Avaaz team More information: The Arab world’s wealthiest nations are doing next to nothing for Syria’s refugees (Washington Post) https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/09/04/the-arab-worlds-wealthiest-nations-are-... Gulf states under pressure to take Syrian migrants (Financial Times) http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/55f828a8-5216-11e5-8642-453585f2cfcd.html#axzz3kn8Ty4Jo More than 1 million Syrian children are refugees (Mashable) http://mashable.com/2015/09/03/syrian-refugees-children/ Father of drowned Syrian boys speaks of his grief: 'They are all gone' (Al Jazeera) http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/9/3/syria-family-refugees.html

Avaaz.org is a 41-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 17 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.