UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60^th session

Panel discussion on combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices 

against intersex persons

15 September 2025

EU statement

Mr. President,

The European Union thanks for convening today’s panel discussion on combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons and thanks the OHCHR for its report. 

The EU strongly opposes all forms of violence and discrimination. 

We remain gravely concerned that in all regions of the world, intersex persons face stigma and multiple and intersecting human rights violations and abuses in all areas of life. 

These violations include, among others, infanticide, violence, medically unnecessary interventions performed without full, free and informed consent as well as discrimination and barriers to accessing justice and remedy. Stereotypes, misconceptions and misinformation resulting in harmful beliefs and stigma are some of the major root causes for these violations and abuses. 

According to the report, so far fewer than 10 per cent of States have enacted comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that explicitly include sex characteristics as a prohibited ground for discrimination. However, there are promising practices both nationally and at regional level to combat discrimination and marginalization and to prevent violence and harmful practices against intersex persons. The European Parliament has strongly condemned “sex-normalizing” treatments and surgeries and encouraged States to prohibit them. The role of civil society organizations is crucial in promoting positive legislative and policy changes as well as de-stigmatization. Likewise, it is important that intersex persons can safely report human rights violations against them, and that the perpetrators are held accountable. 

Dear panellists, 

What are the most urgent steps that States can take to prevent violations against intersex persons?