Global Sentiment Backs Refugee Rights

(MENAFN) Public backing for the rights of refugees to seek shelter remains strong across numerous nations, even as worldwide political instability increases and humanitarian funding contracts, according to a recent Ipsos report published on Wednesday.

The global poll, carried out across 29 nations, revealed that 67 percent of individuals surveyed still favor granting safety to people escaping danger—a number only slightly lower than in 2024.

The most pronounced backing was seen in countries like Sweden, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Australia.

"This survey confirms the public's continued commitment to providing refuge, which is encouraging," noted Trinh Tu, the managing director at Ipsos public affairs.

"It’s also clear from our data that there is an urgent need to address the persistent underlying concerns among the public about asylum-seekers' motivations and integration."

Despite widespread endorsement for refugee protections, considerable doubt continues to linger.

According to the survey, 62 percent of participants suspect that many asylum seekers are primarily motivated by the pursuit of better economic prospects, rather than escaping warfare or persecution.

This perception has contributed to growing public support for stricter immigration controls, with 49 percent favoring the closure of national borders to incoming refugees.

Nonetheless, a significant portion—62 percent —also agrees that countries with greater financial resources bear a moral obligation to offer monetary support to displaced populations.

Respondents from Indonesia, South Korea, and Türkiye especially highlighted the importance of international bodies, even as financial contributions to agencies like the United Nations face substantial reductions.

"There's a clear disconnect between compassion and action," stated Dominique Hyde, the director of external relations at the UN refugee agency.

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