Covid-19 Certificates: What are the Human Rights Implications?

Human Rights Conversations

A photo with a passport and COVID-19 vaccine certificate

Jernej Furman

Governments and organizations worldwide have been considering or are already implementing Covid-19 certificates to progressively manage the current pandemic. Commonly referred to as ‘vaccine passports’ or ‘digital green certificates’, they allow vaccinated people, those who have tested negative to SARS-CoV-2 or have acquired immunity to COVID-19, to travel and access public and private spaces. Yet, they can have significant implications for data privacy and human rights.

In this Human Rights Conversation, panellists will discuss the implications of ‘vaccine passports’ or ‘digital green certificates’ for data privacy and human rights.

Moderator

Felix Kirchmeier, Manager of Policy Studies, Geneva Academy and Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Panelists

Ana Beduschi, Associate Professor of Law, University of Exeter and Senior Research Fellow, Geneva Academy
Marylouise McLaws, Professor of Epidemiology, Hospital Infection and Infectious Diseases Control, UNSW Sydney
Alexandrine Pirlot de Corbion, Director of Strategy, Privacy International

Video