Syrian boy Alan Kurdi's kin take refuge in Canada

Relatives of Syrian boy Alan Kurdi whose lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach, sparking worldwide concern for the refugee crisis, have landed in Canada

Vancouver: Relatives of Syrian boy Alan Kurdi whose lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach, sparking worldwide concern for the refugee crisis, have landed in Canada.

Alan Kurdi's family at Vancouver International Airport

Mohammed Kurdi, his wife and their five children arrived in Canada as refugees on Monday, sponsored by Mohammed's sister
Tima Kurdi, who wiped away tears as she greeted her relatives at Vancouver airport's arrival gates.

The three-year-old's body was washed ashore a Turkish beach this year. Pics/AP

Speaking through his Vancouver-based sister, who translated from Arabic, Mohammed Kurdi thanked Canadians and the government for making his dream come true.

“I'm happy! Very happy!” he said in English to a crowd of reporters gathered around the family. His teenage son Shergo said he was looking forward to going back to school and starting a new life.

The reunion comes at the end of a traumatic year for the family.

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