The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution Thursday geared at protecting the rights of intersex people, a first-of-its kind measure hailed as “groundbreaking” by advocates.
The resolution requires the Office of the High Commissioner to create a report examining harmful and ... [+]
Intersex people have characteristics—such as genitals, reproductive organs or hormonal patterns—that do not fit into typical medical definitions for the male and female sex binary, according to the U.N.’s Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHC).
Thursday’s resolution is aimed at “combatting discrimination, violence and harmful practices” against intersex people, according to a news release, as human rights violations have come to light in recent years, including infanticide and forced medical treatments, among others.
The resolution requires the OHC to prepare a report examining global discriminatory laws and policies, violence and other harmful practices, and root causes, while also addressing best practices, such as legal interventions that will be read at the council’s 60th session, likely in 2025.
The resolution, which was spearheaded by Finland, South Africa, Chile and Australia, was adopted with 24 countries in favor, none against and 23 abstentions.
Nonprofit organization Human Rights Watch called the resolution “groundbreaking” in a statement, saying it signals “growing international resolve to address rights violations experienced by people born with variations in their sex characteristics.”
“The adoption of the first-ever resolution on the Rights of Intersex Persons at #HRC55 marks a landmark advancement in human rights,” U.S. Ambassador Michèle Taylor said in a post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter. “The U.S. proudly co-sponsored this initiative and extends its gratitude to Finland, South Africa, Chile, & Australia for leading this vital effort.”
Up to 1.7%. That’s the percentage of the world’s population that is estimated to be born intersex, according to the U.N.'s OHCHR.
Data is reportedly limited on the number of intersex people in the U.S., as well as information on “population health and overall well-being,” according to a 2021 report from the Center for American Progress. Intersex individuals may be born with the differences in sexual characteristics or develop them throughout childhood, according to the CAP report, and may identify with any gender identity or sexual orientation. People with intersex characteristics may be subject to discrimination or coercive or forced medical treatments from a young age, according to CAP, which can lead to lifelong health complications, such as infertility, loss of sexual sensation and other physical or mental health issues. The OHCHR has recommended that states prohibit such procedures and investigate any human rights abuses against people with intersex traits. While Thursday’s move is the first resolution on intersex people, it is not the first time the organization has addressed their protections. The OHCHR has implemented a number of initiatives related to the protection of intersex people, including a June 2020 report on the intersection of gender and race in sports discrimination and a November 2023 technical note detailing human rights standards for intersex individuals.
How trans and intersex people in Kenya have to bribe police, hospitals and landlords to survive (CNN)
How many transgender and intersex people live in the US? Anti-LGBTQ+ laws will impact millions (The Associated Press)
NY is developing education program on harms of medically unnecessary surgery on intersex children (The Associated Press)