"In No Circumstances" Is Forced Vaccination Ok: UN Rights Chief

Any "vaccine mandates must comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination", Michelle Bachelet said, according to a transcript.

Countries considering introducing vaccine mandates in the fight against Covid-19 must ensure they respect human rights, the UN rights chief said Wednesday, stressing that forced vaccination was never acceptable.

Speaking to a Human Rights Council seminar via video message, Michelle Bachelet warned there were significant rights considerations that needed to be taken into account before making vaccination compulsory.

Any "vaccine mandates must comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination", she said, according to a transcript.

"In no circumstances should people be forcibly administered a vaccine."