By Esnart Chingwalu
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has advised government to prevent itself from maintaining its current position that Covid-19 vaccination is mandatory in the country.
A statement signed by MHRC chairperson Scander Louise has maintained that COVID-19 vaccination is voluntary.
The move follows a recent government announcement through the minister of health who is also Co-chair of presidential task force on COVID-19 to introduce mandatory vaccination by January 2022, which according to MHRC this will affect all public servants, frontline workers and those working in the social sector including journalists.
According to the commission, making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory is a violation of human rights and also against other international human rights instruments.
“This measure can only be considered mandatory if voluntary mechanisms clearly failed and which is not a case at the moment,” reads part of the statement.
The commission said should fully satisfy the 6 World Health Organization ethics and COVID-19 working group preconditions.
MHRC has therefore asked government to embark on civic education and campaigns aimed at demystifying the myths of vaccine so that people can make informed decision regarding the vaccines.
