This June 20th is World Refugee Day. The pandemic crisis we are experiencing has particularly affected people who are forced to leave their countries of origin and seek international protection.

 

More than 150 countries have imposed border restrictions to contain the spread of the virus and, according to the report of the Secretary General of the United Nations, at least 99 states have not made exceptions for people seeking asylum.

 

The Ombudsman recalls the Secretary General’s words that we must defend human dignity in the face of the pandemic, and travel restrictions and border controls can be implemented while fully respecting human rights and international refugee protection principles.