"The Recommendation on equal rights for intersex persons is historic - not because it creates new standards, but because it makes existing ones impossible to ignore", said the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, at the event to launch the landmark document. "It builds on core human rights principles: bodily integrity and autonomy, free and informed consent, protection from inhuman treatment, children's participation, equality and non-discrimination, and participation in all areas of life."
Intersex persons are individuals who have innate variations of sex characteristics that vary from the societal and/or medical understanding of typical female and male bodies. Adopted by the 46 Council of Europe member countries on 7 October and launched today, the Recommendation on equal rights for intersex persons is the first comprehensive international legal instrument dedicated to the human rights of these people. It provides clear guidance to governments in making laws and policies that prohibit non-consensual medical interventions and ensuring that any interventions on intersex children are postponed until they can decide for themselves. It also calls for the provision of equitable access to healthcare and the protection of intersex persons from violence, discrimination and exclusion.
"The real test begins now," the Secretary General stressed, underlining the Council of Europe's commitment to support its member countries in putting the recommendation in practice, through legislative and policy efforts, by building capacity and fostering peer exchanges, and by working closely with civil society, "until dignity and equality are a lived reality for every intersex person in Europe".
"Nothing about us without us" was the underlying principle of the Council of Europe's work on this document which involved governments, experts, and intersex-led organisations. "This is what we mean when we talk about the New Democratic Pact for Europe," Mr Berset explained. "It is a dialogue where people - including intersex people - feel heard, empowered, and protected."
The Director of Organisation Intersex International Europe (OII Europe), Dan Christian Ghattas, who also spoke at the event, voiced his strong support for the recommendation and said that it established a new gold standard in Europe.
In a democracy, trust is everything, said Alain Berset. Recent research by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency showed that most intersex people still do not believe their governments protect them from prejudice or hate. They report being physically or sexually assaulted. Hate-motivated harassment is on the rise, including in schools where they are bullied, ridiculed, or threatened. Too many intersex persons have contemplated suicide and are still being subjected to surgery or medical treatment to alter their sex characteristics without their consent.
"Tonight, as the Palais de l'Europe shines purple, we say enough: equality has no exception, dignity belongs to every…body, and every person deserves to live free, safe, and seen," the Secretary General concluded.
#EuropeGoesPurple campaign
Today's illumination of the Council of Europe building in purple, the colour of intersex visibility and solidarity, is part of the #EuropeGoesPurple campaign. It is running from 26 October, Intersex Awareness Day, to 8 November, Intersex Day of solidarity. The campaign is a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and OII Europe.
The aim of the campaign is to raise public awareness and generate political momentum for intersex equality across Europe. It celebrates intersex lives and invites institutions, communities and individuals across Europe to show support through creative and visible actions - from sharing stories online and promoting awareness to lighting buildings in purple on 8 November, Intersex Day of solidarity. The Palais de l'Europe is the first to light up today, setting an example for others across the continent.
Today's launch event was held under the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers and brought together intersex persons and their families, as well as representatives from the Council of Europe and other European and international organisations.
Secretary General Alain Berset
Malta's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
Organisation Intersex International Europe
