Does a policy of compulsory Covid-19 vaccination amount to an infringement of peoples' rights? Certain individuals are reluctant to take the shots because of "religious or health concerns, along with the recurring theme of the trampling of individual rights, which resonate in the cries of present-day vaccine objectors." Covid-19 apart, vaccination has often been the target of conspiracy theories allegedly targeting minority groups. As Covid-19 shows little signs of abating--and new strains of the virus threaten lives and society--governments, companies, and institutions now require the unvaccinated to get the jab to keep their jobs, and to access certain services.
While the world battles this disease, the most common argument raised by non-conformists is that the vaccine mandate is an infringement on people's rights and civil liberties.听 This was the subject of the AUN School of Law seminar on October 15, 2021.
Assistant Professor of Law and Interim Chair of the Public Law program, Dr. Jennifer Heaven Mike, took the position that "although individuals have rights protected by the law, these individual personal rights are not absolute at all times, per section 45 of the 1999 Constitution, as these rights can be limited in the interests of public health, order and safety".
Her paper on the topic, "Compulsory Vaccination From a Human Rights Perspective," sought to answer some questions which include: whether the vaccine can be made mandatory, and on what grounds; if some arguments against the vaccination were sustainable; what are the responses, but more importantly, how can mandatory vaccination be justified from a human rights perspectives.
"First, rights of the citizens can be limited to control the spread of the virus (or any other health epidemic) which can affect the health of others and the community," she said, citing court rulings that upheld the state's authority to mandate vaccinations for smallpox.
Dr. David Adetoro, a faculty member and SoL coordinator of the school's seminar series, said the school sees this topic as very important as it affects both the University and the country. "This will further generate more conversation about compulsory vaccine mandate as a public policy and engender more research to influence the policy choices of those in authority."
A third-year student and assistant general secretary in the AUN Law Students Society, Fatima Bintu Abdulkadir, expressed her happiness that the topic has been raised.
"It is a very insightful presentation. It is also very timely because as students we all have questions and doubt about what is going on in the world, and the fact that the President is proposing compulsory vaccination is sparking questions and curiosity".
She also felt that this issue had been a bone of contention among her mates, and it has sparked debate now and then.
"As law students in class, we have discussions and debates on the stance of the law on compulsory vaccination. What options do we have, and how can know that we have the right to be vaccinated, and the right not to if you choose not to be. We always want our actions backed by the law and our understanding of human rights".
Reported by Bitwul Dashe