The SAHRC is well aware of the tremendous negative impact that the global pandemic has had on South Africa and the rest of the world. In its wake, COVID-19 has left more than two million deaths and more than one hundred million infections globally. This pandemic has halted economic activity, seriously deepened poverty, economic inequalities and unemployment. Numerous civil and political rights have also been negatively impacted due to measures introduced by states in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.

The South African Human Rights Commission supports the state’s efforts to vaccinate as many people within South Africa as possible, to ensure the required herd immunity needed for the entire population of South Africa to protect itself against this dangerous virus. The Commission believes that many lives can be saved if the residents of this country take the opportunity to get vaccinated. It therefore encourages all adults to opt to be vaccinated.

Having said that, we must emphasize that taking the vaccine should be entirely voluntary. A person has a choice whether they want to be vaccinated or not. That choice must be based on adequate information about the vaccines.

The right to freedom and security of the person includes the right not to be subjected to medical procedures without their informed consent. The Commission therefore wishes to emphasize that no person may be forced by anyone, including the State, to be vaccinated. Information campaigns need to be intensified and sustained for the duration of the vaccination process to assist members of the community to have a clear understanding of the vaccination of the population that is proposed by the state and then make informed choices.     

The South African Human Rights Commission wishes to advise the public to be cautious when dealing with the misinformation currently in circulation, and aimed at bringing into question the efficacy and safety of vaccines. The Commission urges all members of the public to make their decision based on scientific evidence from identifiable and reputable sources, as opposed to baseless claims circulating via social and other media, all-too-often made by faceless, anonymous sources.

The Commission appeals to employers, farm owners, traditional leaders, church leaders and others having authority or influence over others, to allow and, where necessary, assist those who wish to get vaccinated and also to respect the choices of those who do not want to be vaccinated. It will be a violation to threaten, stigmatize, victimize and discriminate against those who choose not to be vaccinated. For now, it seems that the only viable and promising way of getting rid of the pandemic in this country and globally is through these vaccines.

The Commission therefore re-iterates its call in encouraging everyone to have themselves vaccinated against COVID-19, as and when the various phases of the vaccines are rolled out.

The SAHRC avails itself in this regard to answer the questions of members of the public who may have questions about their rights in relation to the vaccine rollout. The details of the Commission’s provincial offices and National Head Office can be access via the SAHRC website, here.

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.