Gen Z Leads as Global Support for Refugees Stays Strong

Good news for humanity: public support for refugees remains strong across the globe, even as fake news and heated political debates try to chip away at compassion.

A new survey from the UN refugee agency UNHCR and pollster Ipsos found that 67% of people across 29 countries believe those fleeing war or persecution should be able to seek refuge in another country. This support has held steady for years despite economic pressure and polarized public debate.

The findings matter especially now, as the 1951 Refugee Convention marks 75 years of protecting people forced to flee their homes. Over 21,500 people were surveyed, revealing that empathy hasn't disappeared. It's evolved.

Young people are leading the charge. Almost half of Gen Z believes refugees will successfully integrate into their new communities, compared with just 39% of Baby Boomers. Younger respondents were also less likely to support border closures or doubt refugees' motivations.

Sweden and the Netherlands showed the strongest support at 78%, followed by Spain at 76%. Australia, Brazil, and the United States expressed the most positive views about refugee integration benefits.

Some countries showed remarkable shifts. In Japan, support jumped from 23% in 2019 to 64% today. France climbed from 43% to 68% over the same period.

The survey revealed an interesting tension. While two thirds support asylum seekers, a similar number worry that many asylum claims aren't genuine. Researcher Trinh Tu explained that many people hold both views simultaneously, wanting to help those in desperate need while questioning whether current systems work properly.

The Ripple Effect

This ongoing compassion creates real impact. Countries like Germany and Sweden continue hosting sizeable refugee populations with relatively strong public support. When asked how to help, people prioritized direct emergency assistance, diplomatic action, and temporary protection over simply closing borders.

The findings send a clear message to policymakers: defend refugee protection while improving asylum systems to maintain public trust. Dominique Hyde from UNHCR stressed that the challenge isn't just preserving the Refugee Convention but ensuring its promise actually works for people fleeing violence.

In Burundi's Busuma camp, over 57,000 Congolese refugees currently shelter at 2,000 meters altitude, with only 40% having adequate housing. Hyde described meeting families with barely enough to eat, living in overcrowded shelters or exposed to harsh weather, highlighting why international support remains critical.

Despite resources falling by $1.2 billion in 2025, UNHCR aims to protect 129.4 million people this year. The good news? Public will to help hasn't disappeared, and the next generation is ready to lead with even more compassion.