BLOG POST

Immunization is a Right, says Mary Robinson

September 06, 2005

Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, argues in the Bangkok Post that vaccination should be considered a human right.

For countries that profess to hold human rights sacred, the availability of proven solutions to save more lives and the prospect of closing the immunisation gap should be viewed not as a burden but as a unique opportunity. It offers us, citizens of rich countries, the chance to show the world we are ready to breathe life into our human rights commitments, which too often seem to exist only on paper.

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CGD blog posts reflect the views of the authors, drawing on prior research and experience in their areas of expertise. CGD is a nonpartisan, independent organization and does not take institutional positions.