Ramallah – Today, the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) held a discussion session on the government approach to introduce an obligation for public servants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants stressed the need for the government to motivate citizens to take the vaccine in line with a procedure that promotes public confidence in vaccinations without prejudice to employment rights. To serve this goal, an awareness-raising campaign will be launched in partnership with human rights institutions and civil society organisations.

Discussants called for a comprehensive approach, premised on a balance between public health response efforts and individual right to choice. The procedure will not only involve public servants, but all citizens as well. It will be implemented on a competitive, need, and phased-out basis. Incentives to receive vaccinations will be provided. Mandatory vaccination will not be in place by prescribing penalties. Rather, alternative routes will be pursued, including periodic check-ups to ensure that those who do not wish to take the vaccine are free from the virus.

The session brought together representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, World Health Organisation, Health Work Committees, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and health experts.

Participants had a debate over the government approach from various human rights, legal, economic, and health perspectives. A review covered potentially useful experience of many countries around the world. In this context, the ICHR is in the process of compiling a memorandum to the Council of Ministers, including a set of relevant proposals and recommendations.