Tag: survey

Scottish Government funding: How’s it working for you?

SCVO FAIR FUNDING SURVEY

Is your voluntary organisation expecting funding from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year?

Get involved with our quick and easy research survey to help us understand your experiences of timely funding notifications!

Learn more: https://bddy.me/49rh9JW

If you don’t have the time (or the desire!) to read this blog in its entirety – just read this: we are looking for voluntary organisations who are expecting funding from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year to take part in a quick and easy monthly survey for six months. To get involved, contact details can be found at the bottom.

If you do have time to read the whole blog – here’s a bit more on why we’re doing it:

At SCVO, we’ve been working hard over the last couple of years to build our Fair Funding asks in response to what the sector has told us. We’ve also been putting a lot of time and effort into taking those asks to parliament. A result of that has been the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fairer Funding by 2026 and, although that remains largely undefined at present, some additional commitments have filtered out since.

One of those commitments relates to funding notifications. We know that timely decision making, and subsequent issuing of funds, is crucial to ensuring no organisation is disadvantaged by the funding process.

When decisions and notifications are delayed, organisations are plunged into uncertainty which can have hugely negative impacts on their ability to deliver services, retain staff, and plan ahead.

And so, as part of our Fair Funding package, we have been asking the Scottish Government to ensure funding decisions are issued no later than December and funds paid no later than the start of the tax year in April.

We were encouraged, then, when Colin Smyth MSP submitted a written question at parliament at the end of November, asking “what action it is taking to ensure that its funding decisions regarding support for the voluntary sector are issued no later than December, and that any funds are paid no later than the start of the tax year in April”. 

The fact that we had not had prior contact with Colin would suggest that our Fair Funding calls, with the support of sector organisations echoing those calls, are very much landing with MSPs.

But even more encouraging was the Scottish Government’s response: “We understand that organisations need timely grant decisions and payments in order to reduce financial uncertainty and effectively resource delivery,” the Cabinet Secretary said. 

“In line with the commitment given by the First Minister, we are working, within the context of the Scottish Budget process, to issue notifications of funding arrangements to third sector organisations, as soon as is practicably possible and no later than end of March for funding beginning on 1 April.”

With that in mind, we are keen to track the experiences of voluntary organisations who expect to receive funding from the Scottish Government this coming financial year.

We’re looking to build a group of such organisations to participate in a monthly survey, beginning in a few weeks and running for six months. The survey itself will be quick and easy to complete, the results gathered will be kept entirely anonymous, and your participation will allow us to document the journeys of organisations between February and July this year in terms of the relevant correspondence and notifications they are receiving from the Scottish Government.

In July, we will then hopefully be able to congratulate the Scottish Government on realising this commitment on timely notifications. Alternatively, if that is not the case, we will have the statistics that will allow us to hold the Scottish Government to account and to demand that Fairer Funding genuinely does incorporate this and many other of our Fair Funding asks in future.

If your organisation is awaiting notification from the Scottish Government on funding for the forthcoming financial year and you’d like to participate in this series of surveys, or you would like a little more information, please get in touch with Jason Henderson at: jason.henderson@scvo.scot

Lauriston Farm: Active travel route?

Could Lauriston Farm be part of an active travel route for you?

If there is community interest, we would be able to apply for funding to construct accessible paths that would allow you to walk, wheel or cycle across the farm without getting muddy.

Please see details and fill in our survey here:

https://www.lauristonfarm.scot/news/active-travel-routes-survey/

#ActiveTravel

#PathsForAll

#NorthEdinburgh

#Edinburgh

UNISON: Edinburgh schools facing urgent issues

UNION CALLS FOR ACTION FOLLOWING ALARMING WORKPLACE SURVEY

New survey data from UNISON’s recent research among Edinburgh City Council workers sheds light on the challenges faced by school support staff, echoing the findings of the Scottish government’s Behaviour in Scottish schools: research report 2023.

UNISON Edinburgh City Branch emphasises that the impact of pupils’ behavioural challenges is disproportionately falling on the shoulders of support staff, who are often the lowest paid and receive minimal training and support.

The violence at work survey, conducted among our members, saw the highest response rate from staff working in schools with 82% of respondents in that area. The Edinburgh Branch survey indicated a need for clearer reporting procedures and improved feedback mechanisms to ensure member concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

The return aligns with the government’s findings, revealing that 86% of support staff encounter low-level disruptive behaviour daily. Additionally, 66% experience verbal abuse, and 59% face physical aggression on a regular basis. This supports what UNISON members have been telling us – the lowest-paid support staff, mainly women, are the frontline responders to challenging pupil behaviour.

Pauline Henderson, UNISON Edinburgh Convenor for education, stated: “No one should face violence and abusive behaviour at work, and if they do, they need proper support.

“Yet, in our schools in Edinburgh, it is the lowest-paid, mostly women support staff who deal with challenging and disruptive behaviour every day.”

“UNISON stresses that support staff are more likely than teachers to report the greatest negative impacts from serious disruptive behaviours”.

Tom Connolly, UNISON City of Edinburgh Branch Secretary, emphasised UNISON’s consistent advocacy on the issue: “UNISON has consistently raised violence and abuse of school support staff with employers and the government.

“Now that we have evidence backing up this growing problem, we need government funding and action to help schools deal with it.”

“More than half of the respondents (57.6%) feel their employer does not take violence at work complaints seriously. Addressing this perception is crucial for fostering a supportive and protective workplace culture.”

Key Points from UNISON Edinburgh City Survey:

Daily Challenges for Support Staff:

66% experience verbal abuse, and 59% encounter physical aggression regularly.

Comparisons with Government Report:

UNISON’s survey findings align with the Scottish government’s report, emphasising the universal nature of challenges faced by support staff.

Impact on Support Staff:

Support staff report the greatest negative impacts from serious disruptive behaviours, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive support and strategies.

Call for Edinburgh City Council Action:

Urgent action is needed to protect council staff. UNISON continues to advocate for enhanced reporting, substantial local authority investment, and comprehensive support for all council staff.

Call for Government Action:

UNISON Edinburgh City urges the Scottish government to recognise the inadequacy of current council funding and take substantial action to address the challenges outlined in both the survey and the government report.

ebrief-behaviour-in-schools-report-2023Download


Read the full UNISON Edinburgh City Branch survey report here

Drylaw Greenspace Consultation

FRIDAY 8th SEPTEMBER from 12 – 2pm at EASTER DRYLAW PARK

https://facebook.com/events/s/drylaw-greenspaces-consultatio/319072190598050/

Pop by Easter Drylaw Park on Friday between 12 and 2 and speak to Esperanza from Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust who will be there to hear what you think could be done to improve the greenspaces in our area.

Please respond to our event link above as this really helps us keep track on how many people we are reaching.

Thanks!

Survey reveals the struggles families face this summer

National charity Family Action polled over 1,000 parents/carers to find out how this summer looks for families facing increasing financial pressures.

Over three quarters (76%) of parents/carers are worried about activity and entertainment costs for the summer holidays due to the rising cost of living.

A third (33%) of parents/carers surveyed will be going without a family holiday, and over a quarter (26%) will be going without days out for their family during or in preparation for this summer holiday, when compared to previous years.

Almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed think they will compare the school summer holiday they give their child/ren, this year, with what other parents around them give their children. The same figure feel more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays this year than excited.

Over a third (36%) of parents/carers anticipate they will need to seek financial and/or emotional support to get through the school summer holidays this year.

Family Action’s free advice line FamilyLine is available 24/7 for families looking for support this summer

National charity Family Action polled over 1,000 parents/carers to find out how this summer looks for families facing increasing financial pressures.

Findings revealed that 76% of families are worried about the cost of days out, such as travel, entry fees and equipment costs, because of the cost of living crisis. In the run up to and during the school summer holidays, 26% of families will be going without days out completely, and 33% will be forgoing a family holiday this year, due to the rising cost of living.

Further findings from Family Action also highlighted an increase in mental health issues facing families this summer, with nearly half (46%) of parents/carers feeling more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays, rather than excited.

The survey reveals that this year the school summer holidays are set to be a time when inequalities are amplified, with almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed set to compare the school summer holiday they give their child/ren, this year, with what other parents around them give their children.

David Holmes CBE, CEO at Family Action said: “Every family wants to make happy memories during the school holidays but, for many, this summer will be more difficult than ever. From juggling childcare to coping with the cost-of-living crisis and searching for affordable ways to have fun, the pressures can really build up.

“At Family Action we are here to help to make the summer a memorable one for the families we work with, and our services will be providing a range of ideas for simple and often free activities that all families can participate in. As our survey shows, 80% of parents/carers agree that making happy memories with their children can be free, so providing free or low cost activities is a great way to take some of the pressure off families this summer.”

Family Action runs over 170 services across the UK and this summer they will be coming together to make happy memories for the families they support, and providing the financial, practical or the emotional support needed to reduce shame and reassure families that making happy memories doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Family Action Service Manager, Leanne Best, said: “The families, volunteers, staff and colleagues we work alongside share with us that there is an expectation that summer school holidays should be a really happy time, where we spend lots of quality time together as families, doing fun activities, going on summer holidays and making special memories, but it is sadly not the reality for most this year.

“Many families are worrying that due to the cost of living crisis they will have to find more money for the basics, such as food, bills, childcare and school uniform. This means that they aren’t going to be able to afford holidays, days out, or activities which can result in stressful households and can leave people feeling guilty about ‘not being good enough’ or ‘not doing enough’ for their families.

Sanna uses our service and said: “I’m worried about trying to save up for 6 weeks because it will be quite a struggle financially because obviously the gas and electricity bill increased twice and the support we were getting from the government has stopped and has taken a chunk off the family budget, so I am worried about how I am going to keep the children entertained through the holidays.

“Family Action trips are the only time I’ll go out on a trip, as I don’t have the budget to take my kids out. Even if you go on a train its expensive and then you worry about the entry tickets. I do all the free things I can do with my kids I go to the park, for picnics, take them for a walk, but if you think about taking them somewhere where you need transport, entry tickets and food it can come to easily £100!

“When you do it by yourself you have all these worries, all these stresses, and all these anxieties, but when everything is provided, like the Family Action trips, all you need to do it sit, relax and make beautiful memories with your children.”

Leanne Best adds: “We have listened to these worries and in response, we will be enhancing the support we already offer to children, young people and families in Stockton, with the addition of our Summer Action Packs.

“Summer Action Packs will contain a variety of summer essentials, activities, tips & ideas, vouchers and information – which will hopefully enable families to worry a little less and have more resources and affordable opportunities, which will help them to enjoy some special family times over the Summer.”

David Holmes concludes: “At Family Action we believe that all children and families have the right to thrive. Together we can overcome the summer struggle and make it one to remember for all the right reasons.

“We know that families agree that the best memories don’t have to be expensive to make, but we also see the stress families feel under to provide the best possible summer holidays for their children, and we can help.

“Our services provide a lifeline to families with direct, practical, emotional and, where we can, financial support, all year long and our free adviceline FamilyLine is there for families across the UK, to provide advice and support.”

If you know someone who needs support, they can contact FamilyLine on 0808 802 6666, text 07537 404 282, email familyline@family-action.org.uk or visit  Family Action .

TUC: UK’s parental leave and pay system needs an overhaul

New TUC survey finds low level of statutory paternity pay leaves families struggling financially – and stops 1 in 5 dads/partners from taking paternity leave at all

  • Low-income households and self-employed workers most likely to miss out on paternity leave 
  • 1 in 5 dads/partners who manage to take time off end up working during leave 
  • Union body calls on ministers to increase statutory paternity pay and overhaul parental leave system 

More than half (53%) of families struggle financially when dads/partners take paternity leave, according to a new TUC poll published today (Friday). 

The survey also reveals that half (50%) of parents don’t feel they were able to take enough time off work as paternity leave to support their families. 

And one in five (21%) parents told the TUC they didn’t take any paternity leave at all. The biggest reason for this – for more than one in four (27%) parents – is that they can’t afford to reduce their income. 

Statutory paternity pay is currently £172.48 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), and paternity leave is one or two weeks.  

Missing out 

The TUC poll found: 

  • Low earners: Household income has a big impact on take up of paternity leave. Nearly nine in 10 (86%) of parents where the household income is over £60,000 take statutory paternity leave provided by their employer, but this falls to two-thirds (65%) of dads/partners with a household income under £25k. And only one in seven (14%) dads/partners with household income under £25k take a more generous form of paternity leave than just the statutory – compared to more than one in three (35%) where the household income is over £80k. 
  • Self-employed: Only one in three (31%) self-employed dads/partners took time off when their partner had a baby. Self-employed workers currently aren’t eligible for any statutory paternity pay. The TUC warns this reduces their ability to take time off work for the arrival of a new baby. 

The poll also revealed that nearly one in five (18%) dads/partners are still doing some work whilst on paternity leave – rising to almost one in three (30%) part-time workers. 

More than one in five (22%) do this because of the demands of their workload, and a similar percentage (19%) feel pressured to do this by their employers. 

Government action needed 

The TUC is calling on government to completely overhaul the current parental leave system. 

The union body wants ministers to: 

  • Increase statutory paternity pay: Statutory paternity pay needs to increase to at least the level of the real living wage, to make it feasible for dads/partners to take time out to care for their new-borns. 
  • Extend parental leave: Both parents need a stand-alone right to their own individual period of well-paid parental leave – which is not dependent on the other partner sacrificing some of their leave (as it is in the current shared parental leave system). 
  • Give parental leave and pay rights to all from day one: Parental leave and pay rights should be accessible to all, regardless of employment status – including those who are self-employed, agency workers or on zero-hours contracts. Qualifying periods for parental leave and pay rights should be scrapped and they should be available from day one in a job. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s not right that so many dads can’t afford to take time off work when their babies are born.  

“The arrival of a new-born is one of the most special moments in life. No parent should miss out on these precious first days. 

“The UK’s parental leave and pay system needs an overhaul.  

“Without better rights to well-paid leave, too many new parents will still miss out on spending time with their babies. And mums will continue to take on the bulk of caring. 

“Ministers should give all dads better-paid paternity leave – and create a new right to well-paid parental leave just for dads, that doesn’t rely on mums giving up some of their maternity leave.” 

Majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future

A report published yesterday by Healthcare Improvement Scotland finds that the majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future, based on their experiences with COVID-19.

The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, asked questions about people’s motivations around vaccination as we move away from the pandemic.

Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine has been high and the survey asked people if they would take up new offers of COVID-19 vaccination, or, if not, to understand their reasons why.

The Citizens’ Panel survey, which ran between November 2022 and February 2023, found that of the 667 people who responded to the survey, the majority of respondents (72%) said they would take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in the future. The survey also found that of those who will take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in future, their main reasons were to protect themselves (88%) and to protect others (82%).

One respondent said: “If I can do this to help myself and others, and know the vigorous testing the vaccines have gone through, then why wouldn’t I accept the vaccine?”

Some 12% said they would decline the offer and 17% were not sure. Where respondents did not want it, the most common reason given was concern over possible long-term side effects of the vaccine.

In addition, all respondents were asked if their decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine has changed over time. The majority said that their decision has not changed (82%). Some 16% said they wanted it at first, but now they don’t, and just 2% said that they didn’t want it at first but now they do.

The survey asks if people are more or less likely to take up the offer of other vaccines, such as flu or childhood vaccines, based on their COVID-19 vaccine experiences, with 36% saying  more likely, 56% saying it’s made no difference, and just 7% saying they are less likely.

Simon Watson, Medical Director at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “Vaccination is an absolutely essential element of our response to COVID-19 including future variants. It is vital to protect individuals, their families and the wider population of Scotland.”

Clare Morrison, Director of Community Engagement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “The findings around vaccination motivations highlight the positive public attitudes towards vaccination, as well as potential areas for improvement, mainly around the need to develop clear and accessible information about vaccine side effects and the benefits of vaccination including their effectiveness against serious illness.”

The report recommends the Scottish Government should continue to consider how to ensure positive and accessible vaccination experiences for all.

It also notes the Government should consider exploring people’s concerns further and their experiences around side effects. Developing further clear and accessible messaging around side effects, and the benefits and effectiveness of vaccination against serious illness may help address this.

Visit our Community Engagement website to access the full report.

Lothian MSP supports new Epilepsy and Mental Health Survey

Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP for Lothian, Miles Briggs, encourages estimated 8108 constituents living with epilepsy to make their voices heard

MILES Briggs is calling on people living with epilepsy in Lothian and across the local authority to take part in a new national survey to understand the affect epilepsy can have on mental health, launched this week by Epilepsy Scotland. 

Epilepsy is defined as the tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain and there are an estimated 58,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy, which is the most common neurological condition. 

This new national survey looks to understand the experiences of people of all ages living with epilepsy across Scotland and seeks to identify which specific support measures should be highlighted.

Miles Briggs said: “I am delighted to support Epilepsy Scotland in promoting this vitally important national survey to understand the specific mental health needs of people living with epilepsy in Scotland. 

“There are an estimated 8108 people living with epilepsy in my region in Lothian, which can have a serious and detrimental impact on their mental wellbeing and general day-to-day activities. 

“Depression and anxiety are just some of the mental health issues that epileptic people are more likely to develop as a result of the condition. 

“I would encourage all my constituents and people across Scotland with epilepsy to make their voices heard through this vital survey.” 

Lesslie Young, Chief Executive of Epilepsy Scotland, added: “We are pleased to have the support of Miles Briggs in promoting our ‘It’s Time to Talk about Epilepsy’ mental health survey to people living in Lothian and across Scotland. 

“Epilepsy can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and almost every person we support through our national helpline is affected by mental health struggles. 

“To someone living with uncontrolled seizures, there is a significant psychological impact of never knowing when the next seizure is going to happen. For some who have controlled seizures, the medication can have side effects which affect mood and mental health. 

“I would encourage anyone living with epilepsy to share your experiences through our survey, to ensure your voice is heard.” 

The survey will run for six weeks and will close on Monday 13 March 2023.

To complete the survey, please go to:

https://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/mentalhealthsurvey/

Crimestoppers: Survey reveals one in six children face unwanted sexual harassment from the age of 10

A major new survey and report, commissioned by the charity Crimestoppers, has shed light on general attitudes to sexual harassment and the age at which victims are targeted.

Of those that responded, around one in six people who answered said their first experience of sexual harassment in a public place happened when they were aged just 10 or even younger.

Whilst 1,800 people participated in the survey, none of the questions were mandatory. This means that respondent numbers per question are lower than overall participant numbers. Due to the sensitivity of the subject matter, the University recommended using optional questions to encourage more people to take part.

Key findings are:

  • Around one in six participants’ (16.8%) first experience occurred when they were aged 10 or younger (3.7% aged 0-5, 13.1% aged 6-10)
  • 30.9% of participants first encountered unwanted sexual behaviour between the ages of 14-16
  • Almost the same percentage (29%) first experienced unwanted approaches between 11-13 years

These shocking findings demonstrate that the majority encountered sexual harassment for the first time during adolescence or childhood. Shockingly, the survey also found that 10% of women said they had been raped with 23% saying they had been `forced’ to have sex.

The report, by the University of Suffolk and commissioned by Crimestoppers, follows the impact of the #MeToo movement against sexual abuse and harassment. Crimestoppers has also launched a national campaign today to challenge attitudes and encourage reporting on those responsible.

Figure 17: Age at first experience of unwanted sexual behaviours or interactions in public spaces [P29]

In a clear message to the culprits, fewer than 1% of victims said they felt flattered, attractive or desired after their most recent harassment experience. [P33].

Strikingly, around 78% of female participants spoke of experiencing unwanted questions about their sex life, and two thirds experienced staring (leering) and comments on their clothes, body or appearance. [P23, Figure 10]. The research found that respondents change their behaviour or activities to avoid a repeat incident, with nearly 10% (9.8%) shunning outdoor areas where they had previously encountered unwanted sexual behaviours.

Figure 10: Lifetime prevalence of unwanted sexual behaviours in public spaces: female participants [P23]

More than a third (38%) have been followed and nearly a quarter (23%) have witnessed flashing/genital exposure. Whilst the largest group of perpetrators were strangers, they were closely followed by classmates during their younger years, then acquaintances and colleagues in later life.

Lydia Patsalides, VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) sexual violence lead at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “This research confirms that all forms of sexual harassment begin at a shockingly early age, which is completely unacceptable.

“It raises the question to those men involved: would you accept this behaviour towards those closest to you, such as a partner, female friend, or your daughter? Crimestoppers is taking its part in the conversation as these normalised behaviours, can escalate, with some perpetrators going on to commit the most serious of crimes such as rape and child abuse.

“We know this is a difficult and complex area and won’t be solved with one study. However, it’s important that we have a frank and realistic discussion, and we must all play our part in helping change behaviour and think seriously about how sexual harassment affects others.”

Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “As a father of two daughters, and an ex-police officer who dealt with the tragic circumstances of violence against women and girls, I totally understand the impact unwanted sexual behaviour has on victims.

“It’s important that we all understand the issue and take steps to educate ourselves on what is and is not appropriate. Our research shows that a large number of very young girls are being targeted, and therefore we must all ensure we take positive steps to protect them.”

Dr Katherine Allen from the University of Suffolk said: “In a post #MeToo era, these findings are shocking but unsurprising. Our survey underscores that sexual harassment is common, perpetrated across a range of public spaces, and remains highly gendered, disproportionately impacting women and girls and limiting their ability to exercise everyday freedoms.

“Chiming with national and international studies, our research suggests that women and girls are subject to unwanted sexualised behaviours from an early age, and overwhelmingly experience these behaviours as intrusive, uncomfortable and intimidating.”

Survey participant comment: “I think a lot of the time, perpetrators are completely oblivious to how their actions are making the other person feel.

“Being sexually harassed makes me feel genuinely scared for my safety, and scared to anger the person in case they get violent.”

Crimestoppers is a standalone charity that is independent of the police and takes crime information whilst guaranteeing total anonymity.

By never asking for or storing personal details, it encourages people to come forward who might otherwise stay silent. The process means no courts, no witness statements and no comeback.

If you know a work colleague/friend/relative or neighbour who is involved in any criminal aspect of sexual harassment – please tell our charity. 

To pass on crime information completely anonymously, visit our website Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in the simple and secure anonymous online form. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers’ UK Contact Centre, which is open 24/7, 365 days a year, on freephone 0800 555 111.

Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced, and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no number display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.

Arab citizens still want democracy, according to largest Arab opinion poll

The results of the largest opinion poll of its kind in the Arab world have been released by The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) with almost 33 thousand respondents across 14 Arab countries and more than 900 researchers taking part.

The poll touched upon the issues facing Arabs living within the region as well as their opinions on global events. Given the contentious nature of the region’s democratization efforts and political culture, Israeli-Arab relations, Russia’s war on Ukraine and more, the findings of this year’s poll highlight significant trends in Arab public opinion. The following are some of the report’s key findings.

The full report is attached.

DEMOCRACY AND STATE INSTITUTIONS

There is overwhelming support for democracy in the Arab World, with 72% of respondents supporting a democratic system. This support for democracy has been a constant in every Arab Index survey since its launch in 2011, demonstrating an established belief in democracy.

Citizens’ confidence in state institutions varies. Parliaments and legislative councils received the least amount of confidence among Arab citizens, at a rate of 47%.

Arab public opinion is almost unanimous that financial and administrative corruption is widespread in their countries to varying degrees, at a rate of 87%.

Just over a third of respondents (34%) said that their countries apply the law equally among citizens, while 39% think that they do not enjoy full equality, with their countries favoring some groups over others. Almost a quarter of respondents (24%) think that their countries do not apply the law equally at all.

ARAB-ISRAELI RELATIONS

84% of citizens oppose their home countries’ recognition of Israel, citing political reasons as opposed to religious or cultural ones. This opposition remains overwhelmingly high despite recent normalization agreements with Israel by UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

The majority of Saudi respondents who answered this question rejected recognition of Israel (38%), despite a high rate of nonresponse to this question (57%).

A vast majority of respondents consider the policies of Israel (84%) and the United States (78%) a threat to the security and stability of the Arab region, while 57% of respondents consider Iranian and Russian policies a threat to the region.

RUSSIA’S WAR ON UKRAINE

More than a third of respondents (44%) agreed that Russia’s declaration of war on Ukraine was unjustified, compared to 19% who said it was justified, and over a third (37%) said they do not know or declined to answer. Those who said it is unjustified deemed Russia’s declaration of war as an act of aggression, interference with the sovereignty of another state, and occupation of land.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Almost all (98%) internet users in the Arab World have accounts on social media platforms. More respondents had Facebook accounts than any other social media platform, except in the Gulf, where more (77%), had Twitter accounts.

A majority of Arab Citizens (75%) use social media to obtain news and political information. More than half of the users (51%) express their views on political events.

57% of social media users said that they do not trust information and news circulated on social media, a notable increase from the last AOI survey.

Interaction and participation with political issues among Arab social media users is divided: while 48% interact with or participate in political issues, 48% do not.

The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) is an independent research institute for the study of the social sciences and humanities, with particular emphasis on the applied social sciences. It seeks to examine the key issues afflicting the Arab world, governments, and communities; to analyze social, economic, and cultural policies; and to provide rational political analysis on the region.

Report-results-in-briefDownload