Panafrican News Agency

Botswana warned against mandatory vaccination

Gaborone, Botswana (PANA) - Botyswana Network on Ethic, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA), a human rights organization in Botswana, Wednesday kicked against making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory, saying it was a violation of human rights.

Though researchers have highlighted that COVID-19 vaccines play a critical role in protecting individuals from the deadly virus, BONELA wants people’s right to be considered in the process.

“But, making these vaccines mandatory in any situation, especially in a workplace, is a violation of human rights,” said BONELA Director Cindy Kelemi.

“It violates the right to personal liberty and freedom from discrimination,” she added.

BONELA has urged government to educate the public about the scientific benefits of vaccination, as countries have legal duty to respect, protect, promote and fulfil human rights.

-0- PANA DRW/RA 15Sept2021