On Tuesday, actors Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie, joined by the Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, publicly advocated for the continued protection of refugees. The appeal was made as the United Nations highlighted increasing strain on international asylum systems. The group emphasized the importance of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a legal framework established following the mass displacement caused by World War II.

While the 1951 Convention remains the cornerstone of international refugee law, the UN and the advocates noted that the current global climate is shifting. Many nations are currently implementing stricter border controls and policies that challenge the traditional principles of safe refuge. The advocates argued that despite these political shifts, the fundamental legal safeguards for displaced people must be maintained. The UN report accompanying the appeal suggests that while public support for the principle of asylum remains relatively high in many areas, the practical application of these protections is facing significant pressure from various governments worldwide. The appeal serves as a reminder of the convention's historical significance and its intended role in protecting vulnerable populations in an era of increasing geopolitical instability.