A Milestone for Intersex Youth in Europe
We welcome the Recommendation that was just adopted by Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) on the rights and equality of intersex persons.
This first-ever CoE Recommendation centred around intersex rights is a major milestone that will specifically positively impact intersex youth. It notably calls for ending unnecessary medical interventions on intersex children, and covers other areas particularly impacting children and young people such as sports, education, and family life.
We particularly command the Council of Europe for including provisions for the non-discrimination and equality of intersex students and learners in education. The Recommendation notably calls on Member States to “adopt inclusive curricula, policies and educational materials that promote awareness and include information about intersex persons and innate variations of sex characteristics” as well as positive representation, which we have been advocating for for many years at IGLYO. This is crucial to ensure safer learning environments for intersex children and youth and prevent the higher rates of bullying and exclusion they experience.
Amidst a deteriorating LGBTQI rights landscape where trans and intersex rights are being scapegoated and erased across Europe, we welcome this new recommendation that sends a positive and hopeful message to the intersex youth among us.
We hope this is only the first step towards a brighter future for intersex people, and that Member States will respect the guidance set by the recommendation to ensure the long-overdue protection, equality, and dignity of intersex people.