The OHCHR published a technical note on the “Human Rights of Intersex People”

On November 3, 2023, the OHCHR published a technical note on the “Human Rights of Intersex People”. Therewith, the OHCHR aimed to bring national legislation into line with international human rights standards and norms. Intersex people are those who were born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions for male or female bodies, including sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, hormonal patterns, and/or chromosome patterns. Consequently, intersex children and adults are often stigmatized and exposed to many types of violence, such as forced medical interventions, infanticide and multiple forms of discrimination. The OHCHR highlighted several elements for States to align their laws protecting intersex people with human rights standards, including the prohibition of forced medical interventions regarding intersex characteristics, and to guarantee equal access to health services and justice. Specifically, the OHCHR recommended that no one should be subjected to unnecessary medical or surgical treatment during childhood, and that the bodily integrity, autonomy and self-determination of intersex children should be guaranteed. In this regard, the OHCHR noted the example of Indian’s legislation, according to which surgeries aimed at altering the sexual characteristics of intersex children were banned, unless it is a life-threatening situation. The technical note can be found here and the press release here.