01/05/2024
GaySA Radio and Mamba Online, both respected media working for South Africa's LGBTQIA+ communities, both reported this week that South Africa, alongside Australia, Finland and Chile, brought forward a motion to the United Nations that called on member states to respect the rights of intersex people. As a result, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted its first-ever resolution specifically addressing discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against individuals with innate variations in sex characteristics. Mamba Online takes up the story and notes that "In a joint statement, 35 civil society organisations applauded the landmark moment for intersex people and their rights. “This resolution marks yet another milestone in how international bodies are looking at the rights of intersex persons,.... “We are grateful to the cross-regional group of States who brought this resolution forward, those who supported it, and the growing number of countries that have started to enhance protections for intersex persons,” the 35 organisations continued. Their statement concluded "“Intersex people exist in every part of the world. And yet, they continue to face pervasive human rights violations everywhere – including forced and coercive medical interventions, infanticide, denial of legal recognition and registration at birth, and discrimination in accessing health, education, and sports, amongst others.” Medical agencies report that around 1.7 per cent of the global population is intersex, but that abuses of their right to privacy, appropriate healthcare and freedom from discrimination is often violated. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will now prepare a report on discriminatory laws and policies, acts of violence, and best practices for persons with innate variations in sex characteristics in all regions of the world.
