Event information

6 July 2021, 13:00-14:30

Downloads

Flyer >

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

Human Rights Conversations

A photo with a passport and COVID-19 vaccine certificate A photo with a passport and COVID-19 vaccine certificate

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

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

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

About Human Rights Conversations

Human Rights Conversations are a series of events, hosted by the Geneva Human Rights Platform, aimed at discussing contemporary issues and challenges related to the promotion and protection of human rights in Geneva and beyond.

 

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

disops News

Impact of digital disinformation unpacked in new research brief series

9 April 2025

Our new series of Research Briefs examine the impact of digital disinformation and potential solutions for its regulation

Read more

web of information News

New Research Brief Examines the Relationship Between Digital Technologies and Their Misuse in Surveillance, Cyberattacks, and Disinformation Campaigns

21 February 2025

Our new research brief examines the complex relationship between digital technologies and their misuse in surveillance, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Town Hall Meeting Training

Localizing International Human Rights

8-10 October 2025

This training course, specifically designed for staff of city and regional governments, will explore the means and mechanisms through which local and regional governments can interact with and integrate the recommendations of international human rights bodies in their concrete work at the local level.

Read more

Project

Follow-up Review Pilot Series

Started in November 2021

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 25: Localizing Multilateralism

published on March 2025

Domenico Zipoli, Ludovica Chiussi Curzi, Kamelia Kemileva

Read more

Cover page of the working paper Publication

AI Decoded: Key Concepts and Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

published on January 2025

Milica Mirkovic, Jennifer Victoria Scurrell

Read more