Is the World Health Organization (WHO) attempting to limit citizens' freedom of movement by introducing a version of the EU Digital COVID Certificate that includes additional "mandatory" vaccines? No, that's not true: According to WHO, the purpose of the new certificate is to "facilitate global mobility and protect citizens across the world from ongoing and future health threats, including pandemics."
The claim was made by far-right Romanian MEP Cristian Terheș and appeared in a video (archived here) posted by TikTok user @pichaku.picaku under the title:
The European green certificate is being expanded globally.
This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Thu Jun 15 14:36:15 2023 UTC)
The digital health certificate mentioned by Terheș is a tool derived from the European green pass, which was implemented on a global scale during the COVID-19 pandemic. These passes enabled, rather than restricted, free movement among EU countries amidst the health crisis. They were established on the principle that EU member states have consistent rules and systems in place to ensure uniform vaccination, testing, and treatment options.
The goal of the WHO's version of the certificate is to extend these practices to all member states of the organization. It does not aim to restrict access for individuals who have not received a specific vaccine. Instead, it seeks to enhance access and enable monitoring of the health status of people who frequently travel between countries, particularly during times of health emergencies.
There are countries that already impose restrictions on access within their borders, irrespective of the presence of a digital health certificate, specifically based on the requirement of specific vaccinations.
