Two human rights experts on Friday urged countries to ensure migrants are included in national COVID-19 vaccination programmes, which must offer equitable access for all. “The pandemic has highlighted how now, more than ever, none of us will be safe until everyone is safe.
Global access to COVID-19 vaccines for everyone who needs them is the only solution,” said UN special rapporteurs Felipe Morales and Ms. Tlaleng Mofokeng. The prioritisation of vaccines within countries should include all those who qualify under a priority group, regardless of who they are, they added.
They noted that migrants should be granted access to vaccines on an equal basis with provisions for nationals. They went to say that it is critical that migrants, regardless of migration status, are included at all stages of public health responses, including national vaccination programmes. The full inclusion of migrants is a vital issue for both the migrant population and the host community. “We praise the States that care for migrants like their own nationals, especially those who have started providing vaccines to migrants. We appeal to all countries to follow suit.” The experts said all States should increase vaccination coverage among the most vulnerable, including those who belong to socially disadvantaged groups, such as migrants.
The States should double their efforts to overcome administrative and practical obstacles and establish protocols that facilitate equitable access to vaccines for migrants, including those in irregular situations, they said. “In times of crisis, focus should be given to international solidarity, equality and inclusiveness. “We call on world leaders to refrain from discriminatory discourses that may lead to the exclusion of certain groups, such as migrants in irregular situations, from the present global public health response,” they concluded.
Source-KUNA
