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

neurotech image News

Research Brief Evaluates the Human Rights Implications of Neurotechnology in Therapeutic and Commercial Applications

27 March 2025

Our research brief, Neurotechnology and Human Rights: An Audit of Risks, Regulatory Challenges, and Opportunities, examines the human rights implications of neurotechnology in both therapeutic and commercial applications.

Read more

EQINET Logo News

In Highlight: Equality Bodies Comparison Dashboard

20 August 2025

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the current highlight of the directory: Equality Bodies Comparison Dashboard

Read more

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Read more

George Floyd protest in Washington D.C. Project

Promoting and Protecting the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association and Civic Space Worldwide

Started in June 2020

This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.

Read more

Session of a UN Treaty Body Project

Treaty Bodies Individual Communications Procedures

Started in January 2019

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more