KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has lauded the government’s decision to provide free Covid-19 vaccines for all.
This includes non-citizens, diplomats, expatriates, foreign spouses, their children, foreign workers and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) card-holders.
In a statement yesterday, Suhakam said the move recognises the principle of access to health for all and is in line with the principles of non-discrimination and equal treatment, as promulgated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
“Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their status.
“The right to health contains entitlements, which include the right to a system of health protection providing equal opportunity for everyone to access healthcare,” said Suhakam.
Suhakam hopes the government will keep to its decision to provide free vaccinations for undocumented migrants and ensure that those who come forward to take part in the National Immunisation Programme will not be arrested and penalised for their undocumented status.
“The urgency of the pandemic demands that a safe and secure environment exists for all persons to come out voluntarily for vaccination, despite immigration laws providing for the arrest of migrants without any valid documents.” – The Vibes, February 16, 2021
