Even with all the misinformation and hate speech making the rounds online, everyday people across the globe still strongly support refugees, according to a new report from the United Nations (UN).
A massive survey conducted by the UN Refugee Agency and Ipsos looked at the opinions of over 21 500 people across 29 countries. They found that two out of three people firmly believe that anyone running away from war or persecution should have a right to seek safety in another country.
But it’s not all straightforward. The data also showed a bit of a contradiction; a similar number of people worry that some asylum seekers might not actually need protection, showing that many are anxious about how borders are managed and whether integration systems are working.
There is also a clear generation gap. Younger people are by far the most welcoming, with nearly half of Gen Z respondents confident that refugees will successfully blend into their new communities. By comparison, only 39% of Baby Boomers felt the same way. Gen Z was also much less likely to want borders to shut down or to question why refugees are fleeing in the first place.
–ChannelAfrica/UN–
