On Wednesday 17 September (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CEST), join a side event at the 60th UN Human Rights Council to learn more about the current state of intersex people’s rights progress and challenges in various countries and regions.

The event comes at a historic moment for intersex communities. After nearly a decade of advocacy by global activists, in April 2024, the UN Human Rights Council adopted resolution 55/14, combating discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against intersex persons.

The resolution mandated a panel discussion on the topic during the 60th UN Human Rights Council and a report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights addressing discriminatory laws and policies, acts of violence, and harmful practices against intersex persons, which will also be presented during this HRC session.

Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025
Time: 12:00-13:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST) – Find your time zone
Location: Palais des Nations, United Nations, Geneva (room VIII, building A)
Language: English

The event is co-sponsored by InterAction for Health and Human Rights, OII Europe, ILGA World, Outright International, COC Nederland, Women Deliver, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), African Intersex Movement, Intersex Asia, and Sexual Rights Initiative.

Intersex individuals, born with variations of sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions for female or male bodies, face unique and often misunderstood challenges — including discrimination, bullying, and lack of access to education, infanticide, lack of access to appropriate healthcare, and non-consensual and harmful medical interventions.

During the past decade, significant legal developments have occurred at the international, regional, and national levels that have improved the human rights protections of this community. However, the overwhelming majority of UN member States still lack legislation and policies to address these violations and ensure human rights for everyone — without any distinction, including based on sex characteristics.

This side event will increase awareness amongst UN Member States about the importance of bodily integrity and autonomy for all, irrespective of sex characteristics. It will also facilitate discussions on recent developments and strategies for establishing and implementing intersex-inclusive, human rights-based laws and policies.

Speakers

• Moderator: Kimberly Zieselman, JD, Senior Advisor Global Intersex Rights, Outright International
• Obioma Chukwuike, Executive Director, Intersex Nigeria
• Dr Morgan Carpenter, Executive Director, InterAction for Health and Human Rights
• Natasha Jimenez, Executive Director, Mulabi, Costa Rica
• Dr Dan Christian Ghattas, Executive Director, OII Europe
• More speakers TBC