26/10/2021 Equality and Non-Discrimination
“Intersex people face constant challenges in almost every aspect of their daily lives. Yet ignorance of, or indifference to, these realities leads to violations of their human rights across the board,” said Fourat Ben Chikha (Belgium, SOC), PACE’s General Rapporteur on the rights of LGBTI people, speaking on the occasion of Intersex Awareness Day, 26 October 2021.
“Intersex genital mutilation and unnecessary medical treatment persist, violating the right to physical integrity and bodily autonomy, while legal barriers, lack of knowledge and stigmatisation perpetuate discrimination against intersex people,” he added.
“As individuals, we must listen to, and learn from, the experiences of intersex people, and as politicians we must make concerted efforts to raise public awareness of their realities and rights,” he said.
“Intersex organisations are working incredibly hard to increase public knowledge and understanding of the lived realities of intersex people, through excellent initiatives such as ThisIsIntersex.org site, created by civil society and being launched today.”
“On Intersex Awareness Day 2021, I invite everyone – citizens and political leaders alike – to take the time to learn about intersex realities and rights, and to become an ally in promoting equality for intersex people in all fields of life,” he urged.