IN PICTURES: Syrian refugee children brave voyage to Europe

When the mass influx of refugees to Europe from Syria first began a few years ago, it was mainly young men trying to get to Europe. Few brought their children along. Most deemed the journey too perilous and hoped to get established first before sending for their wives and children.

However, fast-forward to today and the situation could not be more different. With no end in sight to the bloody civil war in Syria, and the Islamic State still firmly rooted in Syria, Iraq and making gains elsewhere, few think that they can wait much longer. The journey has become no less treacherous, but the sight of young children has now become commonplace as families struggle to make it to Europe. 

Many were caught up on the Macedonia – Serbia border last week as authorities tried to clamp down on the mass influx of people trying to head north. MEE was there to document a part of their journey.