On the 5th May 2021, the BPP Human Rights Unit held its third and final networking event. The event focused on issues linked to current developments as the UK proceeds with its roadmap out of lockdown, with two breakout rooms considering: Whether vaccine passports are a threat to human rights? To what extent should their use be permitted and why?
Veeneshwary Choytun reports.
During the BPP HRU final networking event, one hour was dedicated to debate on issues linked to vaccine passports, with a further half an hour for networking with other attendees. The topic for the discussion in the first breakout room was: Are vaccine passports a threat to human rights?
Delving into this topic in more detail, the group focused in particular on the questions as to whether vaccine passports would constitute “digital identity cards by back door” and implications for personal data, the possible creation of a “two-tier” society affecting the most vulnerable and the balancing of some fundamental freedoms against others in this context.
During the discussions, there was a resounding consensus amongst all the participants that introduction of the vaccine passport would create a two-tier society and affect the most vulnerable. Participants brought forward the argument that such a vaccine passport would be discriminatory, excluding people who have not yet had a vaccine. Notably, young people who are not currently on the priority list for vaccination in the UK would be prevented from taking parts in events or doing certain activities on the basis of their age or absence of any pre-existing health conditions.
Similarly, concerns were raised about the implementation of such a vaccine passport and the technology it would require. It was noted that, to date, the Government has not brought forward any fixed plans on vaccine passports and, therefore, raised queries as to how they would be implemented or how they would be managed. Questions were raised as to how such a system is expected to work on a cross-border basis, and it was agreed that this would pose significant challenges.
Along the same line of thought, participants agreed that the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccination passport would go against the ethos of “autonomy”. Considering that nobody can be compelled to take the vaccines, it was felt that it would be inherently wrong and unfair to impose such a system. Attendees noted that individuals should be allowed to decide for themselves.
Moreover, issues on data-protection were also raised and there were questions as to who would run the database, and how would personal information be dealt with? Attendees noted the need for caution and expressed apprehensions as to being unable to control their own data on such a database.
The final question addressed during the discussion related to each person’s individual responsibility to change their own lifestyles in order to help mitigate the risk of a further pandemic in the future. The group discussed the possibility of adopting healthier nutrition such as a vegan diet. However, it was noted that this would be difficult to implement nationwide as the Government cannot stop people from eating meat. In response, it was suggested that the Government could introduce incentives to support and promote the vegan lifestyle, making it more affordable by reducing taxes on vegan products and, in tandem, imposing tax increases on meat products.
Participants concluded that individuals cannot be forced to take vaccines and, therefore, it would be unfair and illogical to impose vaccine passports. The discussion ended on a positive note with everyone looking forward to the world getting back to normal.
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