UN Secretary-General says he cannot bar unvaccinated heads of state from General Assembly

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday, September 15, said he is unable to demand vaccination certificates from all world leaders attending the General Assembly next week.

“We, as the Secretariat, cannot tell a head of state that unless he or she is vaccinated, he or she cannot enter the UN,” Guterres said. This was a reaction to New York City Hall’s decision to only allow vaccinated people to enter the United Nations headquarters.

President Jair Bolsonaro, one of the first to speak at the summit, says he has not been vaccinated. Should the veto be enforced, he could be blocked from entering the UN plenary.

However, the UN headquarters is considered international territory and is not bound by United States laws.

LETTER TO DIPLOMATS

Earlier, a letter – drafted by the New York City Hall – was sent by the UN to diplomats from all countries, confirming the need for proof of vaccination to attend the event. “Proof of vaccination is required for certain activities in indoor settings, including the United Nations headquarters,” the document said.

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