82.4 million people worldwide, of whom 26.4 million are refugees and about half are minors, have been forced to flee due to wars, violence and persecution according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 73% of those who flee remain close to their country of origin and only 14% are hosted in developed countries. However, in 2020, new asylum applications decreased by a third compared to the same period in 2019. At the height of the first wave of the pandemic, in April, 168 countries closed their borders completely or partially. 90 countries have made no exceptions for asylum seekers while 111 countries have found solutions to guarantee the right of asylum by adopting measures to contain the spread of the virus. The Foundation has always continued to welcome, protect and integrate refugees during the pandemic.