Refugee protection faces setbacks from funding cuts, disinformation, and fewer resettlement options

Seventy-five years after the Convention on the Status of Refugees was signed, the global protection of refugees is facing significant challenges. Reduced resettlement opportunities, widespread disinformation fueled by hate speech, and cuts to international aid are the primary setbacks, according to the UN Refugee Agency (ACNUR).

“

Seventy-five years after, the challenge is not only to defend the Convention but also to ensure that its promise works in practice, which means having fair and effective asylum systems, and supporting the countries and communities that host the majority of the world's refugees.

Dominique Hyde, ACNUR's Director of External Relations, emphasized that the challenge extends beyond defending the Convention to ensuring its promise is realized in practice. This includes maintaining fair and effective asylum systems and supporting the countries and communities that host the majority of the world's refugees. Hyde shared a recent experience in Burundi, visiting a camp for 57,000 Congolese refugees, where concerns about sufficient funds for medical staff and even basic water supply were prevalent. "We are seeing this situation all over the world," she stated, noting that the camp had only eight liters of water per person per day, well below the minimum standard of 15 liters in emergencies.

“

There was also not enough money for water supply. Only eight liters per person per day was available, when the minimum standard in emergency situations is 15 liters.... We are seeing this situation all over the world.

In commemoration of the Convention's anniversary, ACNUR released findings from a large survey conducted in 29 countries. The poll explored public opinions on the right to asylum, the role of states, and the relevance of the international legal instrument. While many respondents support the right to seek protection, a significant portion also questions the fairness, effectiveness, and management of asylum systems. Specifically, 61% of those surveyed believe economic motives underlie many international protection applications. However, a larger majority (66%) agree that people fleeing war or persecution should be welcomed as refugees in other countries.

“

Many people support the right to seek protection, but at the same time they wonder if asylum systems are fair and effective and if they are well managed.