There are valid justifications in restricting rights, including freedom of movement, especially during national emergencies, such as the present pandemic. The Commission on Human Rights, however, continues to stress that such policies must be based on human rights standards—that, among others, these must be legal, necessary, proportional, and non-discriminatory as detailed under the Siracusa Principles. Despite the restrictions, unvaccinated individuals must also continue to be allowed to access essential services. Similar policies must contemplate valid exemptions as well, such as religious and valid medical grounds.

On this note, we continue to encourage and emphasise the importance of getting vaccinated against Covid-19 as a step to restore full enjoyment of our rights, most especially the protection of our right to health. While we remind that it is the government’s obligation to respect, protect, and fulfil our human rights, individually, we also have to do our part in promoting the common good, including collectively ending the pandemic. ###