Event information

6 July 2021, 13:00-14:30

Downloads

Flyer >

Covid-19 Certificates: What are the Human Rights Implications?

Human Rights Conversations

A photo with a passport and COVID-19 vaccine certificate A photo with a passport and COVID-19 vaccine certificate

Governments and organizations worldwide have been considering or are already implementing Covid-19 certificates to progressively manage the current pandemic. Commonly referred to as ‘vaccine passports’ or ‘digital green certificates’, they allow vaccinated people, those who have tested negative to SARS-CoV-2 or have acquired immunity to COVID-19, to travel and access public and private spaces. Yet, they can have significant implications for data privacy and human rights.

In this Human Rights Conversation, panellists will discuss the implications of ‘vaccine passports’ or ‘digital green certificates’ for data privacy and human rights.

Moderator

  • Felix Kirchmeier, Manager of Policy Studies, Geneva Academy and Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Panelists

  • Ana Beduschi, Associate Professor of Law, University of Exeter and Senior Research Fellow, Geneva Academy
  • Marylouise McLaws, Professor of Epidemiology, Hospital Infection and Infectious Diseases Control, UNSW Sydney
  • Alexandrine Pirlot de Corbion, Director of Strategy, Privacy International

Video

Covid-19 Certificates: What are the Human Rights Implications?

In this Human Rights Conversation, panelists discussed the implications of ‘vaccine passports’ or ‘digital green certificates’ for data privacy and human rights.

About Human Rights Conversations

Human Rights Conversations are a series of events, hosted by the Geneva Human Rights Platform, aimed at discussing contemporary issues and challenges related to the promotion and protection of human rights in Geneva and beyond.

 

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

GHRP in Davos News

AI and Human Rights in the Intelligent Age: GHRP in Davos

3 February 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform contributed to key discussions on AI, human rights, and sustainable digital governance at the World Economic Forum 2025.

Read more

neurotech image News

Research Brief Evaluates the Human Rights Implications of Neurotechnology in Therapeutic and Commercial Applications

27 March 2025

Our research brief, Neurotechnology and Human Rights: An Audit of Risks, Regulatory Challenges, and Opportunities, examines the human rights implications of neurotechnology in both therapeutic and commercial applications.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

10-14 November 2025

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.

Read more

Online folders Project

Digital Human Rights Tracking Tools and Databases

Started in March 2023

This initiative wishes to contribute to better and more coordinated implementation, reporting and follow-up of international human rights recommendations through a global study on digital human rights tracking tools and databases.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more