Statement on Universal Affordable Vaccination against Coronavirus Disease covid-19, International Cooperation and Intellectual Property

Abstract

Abstract Access to a vaccine against coronavirus disease (covid-19) that is safe, effective and based on the best scientific developments is an essential component of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and the right of everyone to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. States therefore have an obligation to take all the necessary measures, as a matter of priority and to the maximum of their available resources, to guarantee all persons access to vaccines against covid-19, without any discrimination. This statement builds on the previous statements of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 6 April 2020 on the coronavirus disease (covid-19) pandemic and economic, social and cultural rights (E/C.12/2020/1) and of 27 November 2020 on universal and equitable access to vaccines for the coronavirus disease (covid-19) (E/C.12/2020/2). It is intended to remind States of their obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in relation to universal access and affordability of vaccines against covid-19, particularly with regard to international cooperation and intellectual property.