LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate UNHCR as left-center biased due to its humanitarian focus, neutrality in international law, and refugee support, which aligns with a slightly left-leaning perspective. We rate it High in factual reporting because of its credible, evidence-based approach to protecting displaced populations and its legal contributions, such as amicus briefs, to reinforce international refugee law.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: Switzerland
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 to assist displaced people following World War II. Today, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing aid to refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless individuals with the mission to protect their rights and support their integration or safe return. UNHCR’s headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. This central office coordinates the agency’s global operations to protect and support refugees.
Read our profile on Switzerland’s government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
UNHCR is primarily funded by voluntary contributions, with around 80% of its budget provided by individual governments and the European Union. An additional 15% comes from individuals and the private sector, including foundations, corporations, and the general public.
Analysis / Bias
UNHCR is dedicated to immediate humanitarian relief, legal protection, and sustainable solutions for displaced populations. While UNHCR’s mission is humanitarian, focusing on refugee rights and international protections, similar to other U.N. bodies, its advocacy for asylum and migrant protections may align with more progressive stances on human rights. However, similar to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), its reports, legal briefs, and resources, such as those found on Refworld, are fact-based and focused on supporting global legal standards.
UNHCR also contributes legal insights on refugee and asylum matters, as shown in amicus briefs like the one on Refworld.org, which guides U.S. asylum procedures by offering expertise in international refugee law. This type of documentation emphasizes UNHCR’s role in advocating for refugee protection and informing legal proceedings with an expert understanding of international refugee law. However, the website does not provide data regarding the number of refugees seeking asylum in the United States.
UNHCR’s Operational Data Portal provides accessible, real-time data on refugee populations and displacement trends by country, such as Uganda, offering critical insights to stakeholders involved in refugee assistance.
Over the past 50 years, UNHCR has protected and assisted millions of refugees and displaced people globally. However, it has also faced criticism for not always meeting long-term protection needs, with some arguing that its role has shifted from advocacy for durable solutions to a more immediate focus on humanitarian relief.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate UNHCR as left-center biased due to its humanitarian focus, neutrality in international law, and refugee support, which aligns with a slightly left-leaning perspective. We rate it High in factual reporting because of its credible, evidence-based approach to protecting displaced populations and its legal contributions, such as amicus briefs, to reinforce international refugee law. (M. Huitsing 10/25/2024)
Source: https://www.unhcr.org/
Last Updated on October 26, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources