Intersex People : UN Resolution
The United Nations Human Rights Council recently made a historic decision by adopting a resolution aimed at combating discrimination and harmful practices against intersex people.
- Intersex people are individuals born with sex characteristics (such as sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, hormonal patterns, and/or chromosomal patterns) that do not align with typical binary notions of male or female bodies.
- They may have any gender identity or sexual orientation.
- Experts estimate that up to 1.7% of the population are born with intersex traits. Intersex individuals are distinct from transgender individuals, as the former’s physical characteristics do not necessarily match their gender identity.
- The resolution calls upon member states to address root causes of discrimination, such as stereotypes and misinformation, and to ensure the rights to bodily integrity and autonomy for intersex individuals.
- The resolution on intersex rights promotes ethical values such as combating discrimination, ensuring the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, and addressing root causes of human rights violations.
