Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, has published data showing that public support for refugees remains strong globally despite widespread misinformation and polarized debate. Two out of three people in 29 countries agreed that those escaping war or persecution should be able to seek refuge elsewhere, according to a poll conducted with Ipsos. This support has remained broadly stable in recent years, even with political tension and economic pressures, said UNHCR's Director of External Relations, Dominique Hyde.
The poll highlights a complex landscape of public opinion, where many people support refugee protection but also express concerns about the effectiveness of asylum and border systems. Trinh Tu, Ipsos UK Managing Director, described this as people balancing compassion with worries about system inefficiencies.
Support for asylum seekers varies by country. In Germany and Sweden, where intake remains significant, public support is comparatively strong. In contrast, backing has weakened somewhat in Türkiye and Poland. In the UK, net migration is low, yet half the population perceives immigration levels as excessive, according to Ms. Tu.
Ms. Hyde emphasized the ongoing need for international aid for refugees, highlighting her visit to Busuma camp in eastern Burundi. The camp shelters more than 57,000 Congolese fleeing conflict but faces overcrowding, insecure shelter, and unsafe water. She stressed that generosity alone cannot replace the international responsibility to support asylum seekers.