The image of Alberto Ramirez and his 23-month-old daughter, Valeria, lying face down in the water along Rio Grande’s shore, with her head tucked inside his T-shirt and her arm draped over his neck, has pricked the world’s conscience. A mute testimony of the horrors of migration (‘Images of drowned Salvadoran migrant and 2-year-old child stir outrage,’ June 26, Gulf Today).

A few years ago the photo of a three-year-old Syrian boy, Aylan Kurdi, evoked a similar reaction across the globe, after he was found face down, drowned in the Mediterranean Sea. That was in 2015. Four years down the line and another chilling image. A year hence, maybe even earlier than that, we may see a few more of such images.

Disturbing photos like these galvanize public attention, but what about the hundred others who die unnoticed. Trump’s policies are clearly not working and will only lead to more tragedy. But on the other hand we have leaders like Angela Merkel and Jacinda Ardern who have shown how immigration can be humanely addressed. I do not know if we as a people can dream the dream of brotherhood and compassion. And have our leaders do the same. But I am hopeful.

Madeline Smith
By email