By Peace Maquba

September 15th marked a pivotal moment in the global movement for intersex rights.
On this day, the UN Human Rights Council received a groundbreaking report on the
human rights of intersex people. This historic milestone was accompanied by a
powerful panel discussion and impactful interventions from civil society organizations,
UN agencies, and member states. It stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of
intersex advocates and allies who have worked for decades to bring visibility to the
urgent challenges faced by intersex individuals.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) presented a
comprehensive report documenting the discrimination, violence, and harmful practices
endured by intersex persons. The report underscores the urgent need for action to
protect intersex individuals from practices that have persisted for far too long, often
under the guise of medical necessity.
Encouragingly, the Human Rights Council also heard of significant progress in leading
jurisdictions, including Iceland, Chile, and the Australian Capital Territory, where legal
reforms have been introduced to safeguard intersex individuals from non-consensual
medical interventions. These advances reflect the power of sustained advocacy and the
growing recognition that intersex rights are, unequivocally, human rights. Furthermore,
countries such as Kenya and Zimbabwehave made public commitments to address
intersex-related human rights concerns—signaling a growing global momentum toward
change.
Discussions at the Council highlighted the critical need for collaboration among states,
international bodies, and civil society to achieve meaningful and lasting reform in laws,
policies, and societal attitudes. The intersex movement continues to work relentlessly
to promote the health, dignity, and autonomy of intersex people—calling for an end to
harmful practices not only in healthcare, but also in educational, sporting, and social
contexts.
For too long, intersex individuals have been pathologized—viewed as disordered or in
need of “correction” by medical professionals. Invasive and unnecessary medical
interventions have been justified by outdated social and cultural norms rather than
genuine medical urgency. These practices have caused lifelong physical and
psychological trauma, depriving intersex individuals of their autonomy and their right to
an open and self-determined future.
As we look ahead, it is essential for governments, institutions, and communities to
prioritize the wellbeing and human rights of intersex people. This includes:

• Raising public awareness and education on intersex issues;
• Enacting and enforcing legal protections against harmful medical practices;
• Ensuring access to truth, support, and reparations for those who have been
  affected.
  While we celebrate this historic milestone, we must also acknowledge that the journey
  is far from over. Achieving full equality, dignity, and respect for intersex individuals
  requires ongoing commitment and action.
  The UN Human Rights Council’s report and the accompanying panel discussion
  represent a significant step forward in the global recognition of intersex rights. We
  commend the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for its leadership
  in presenting this vital report, and we thank all panellists and contributors for their
  invaluable insights and advocacy.
  Together, we can build a world that embraces diversity in all its forms and upholds the
  human rights of every individual—regardless of their sex characteristics.

To watch click link : https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k1wk3w7u6i