The far-right is vocal but their views are not widely shared
Figures from The Executive Office and the Northern Ireland Statistics Research Agency show that most people in Northern Ireland believe we should offer safety to those fleeing war and persecution.
Responding to the Attitudes to Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Northern Ireland survey, almost two thirds of people said we have a duty to protect refugees who face harm at home. This goes against the story pushed by far-right groups who claim most people here are against offering help. The survey shows their claim has no real backing. The far right is vocal but not well supported.
Nearly 70% said the media shapes views in a negative way. This lines up with long-standing worries about how far-right groups spread false claims to stir fear. Evidence from local anti-racist campaigners in Belfast, Ballymena and Newry also points to far-right agitators being bussed in from other areas to inflate their numbers and cause trouble. Their actions do not reflect the views of most people who live in these towns.
The findings show again that support for far-right ideas is thin. Only 14% said they would not want to get to know asylum seekers or refugees. Just 16% said refugees do not add to our society. The numbers tell a simple story; the far right make plenty of noise, yet their backing is very small.
There is also strong support for fair treatment in daily life. In the survey 55% said asylum seekers should have the same right to work as anyone else. Six in ten said refugees and asylum seekers are not respected here. This reflects the concern raised in the PCS ARAF strategy that growing hostility needs to be challenged in workplaces and in local communities.
The PCS ARAF strategy sets out a clear approach. It calls for steady work to push back against racism, clear messages in all workplaces, and close links with anti-racism groups. The survey results support that path. Most people want fairness and respect for everyone, no matter where they come from.