Human Rights between the Sexes

Synopsis

• Genital "normalization" surgeries are widespread: "Nearly all over the world, intersex bodies are considered to be barely, or not at all, capable of being integrated into the social order. Therefore, genital surgery is performed from infancy to adolescence and adulthood in all examined countries."
• Gonadal tissue is removed in most countries, between childhood and adolescence. Hormone treatments are administered.
• There is minimal aftercare.
• Birth registrations, with a sex assignment, is required in most countries, within 4 weeks of birth.
• Intersex is treated as a taboo subject in all countries studied. Intersex people experience prejudice, often due to gender non-conforming behaviour and appearance.
• Human rights-based activism is only recently established, and the number of NGOs small and volunteer-based.

1. Raise awareness of the existence of intersex individuals.
2. Increase visibility of intersex individuals and life situations.
3. Encourage intersex people to self-organise and voice needs.
4. Promote collaboration with NGOs.
5. Take account of the needs of intersex people in all areas of human rights work.