This document calls for a human rights-based response to the pandemic, even as more people get vaccinated and transmission rates drop. It offers general advice on how duty bearers can respect human rights if developing vaccination status policies—that is, policies that treat people differently based on whether or not they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
No one’s safety should be put at risk because of others’ personal choices not to receive a vaccine. Just as importantly, no one should experience harassment or unjustifiable discrimination for not being immunized when there are effective alternatives to vaccination status policies.
More resources
See also:
- Policy guidance: A human rights approach to mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Commissioner Govender’s full policy statement on human rights during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020)
- Video: Message from Commissioner Govender on human rights during COVID-19 (March 2020)
- COVID-19 frequently asked questions from BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
![](https://bchumanrights.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bcohrc-publication-vaccination-guide-cover-768x994.png)
If the version available via this page is not accessible for you, please feel welcome to contact our Office to request a printed copy or another format that meets your needs.
Please note: This guidance has been updated over time to reflect changing circumstances. The original version of this guidance was published on July 13, 2021. Further updates were published on Oct. 14, 2021 (current).
- Previous publication:Disaggregated data: Summary of recommendations to prevent harm to communities