The degree of community acceptance of minority groups is a measurable dimension of social cohesion. Acceptance of three such groups is considered here: migrants, ethnic minorities and gay and lesbian people.
On average, people in the Asia/Pacific region are less likely to think that their country welcomes immigrants than their peers in OECD countries (Figure 6.10). Over 85% of Australians and New Zealanders respond affirmative when asked whether their country is a good place to live for immigrants. By contrast, less than a quarter of Cambodians and Malaysians say the same (Figure 6.10). The biggest decline in positive sentiment since 2007/2009 appears to have taken place in Cambodia, while residents of Pakistan and Uzbekistan think their country has become a better place for immigrants.
On average across the Asia/Pacific and OECD countries at least two‑thirds of the population consider their country tolerant towards ethnic minorities (Figure 6.11). Overall perception of tolerance towards ethnic minorities increased by more than 10 percentage points over the last decade in the Asia/Pacific region. The largest increases were observed in Cambodia, Indonesia and Pakistan.
OECD countries appear on average to be more tolerant of gays and lesbians than countries in the Asia/Pacific region (Figure 6.12). Nepal, New Zealand and Australia record the highest perceived tolerance levels followed by the Philippines and Hong Kong (China). Only less than 5% of the population in Armenia and Azerbaijan report that their country is a good place to live for gays and lesbians.
