ALT Monday, 18 October 2021 New report urges significant changes to protect human rights of Intersex people The Australian Human Rights Commission has today released a new report which makes significant recommendations to protect the human rights of people born with variations in sex characteristics. The report, Ensuring health and bodily integrity: towards a human rights approach for people born with variations in sex characteristics, makes 12 recommendations for a human rights-based approach to decision-making on medical interventions. “This report is the culmination of over three years of extensive consultations, including with people born with variations in sex characteristics, who have strongly advocated for their right to life, bodily autonomy and integrity,” said Commission President Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM. “I acknowledge the contribution of Edward Santow, in his capacity as Human Rights Commissioner, in leading the Commission’s work and resulting in this important

ALT Requirements for independent authorisation of certain medical interventions. In conducting its research, the Commission heard from people with lived experience including Australians born with variations in sex characteristics, their parents, and advocacy organisations. The Commission also sought input from clinicians, legal and human rights experts, and government agencies. The Commission greatly appreciates the input from all stakeholders, particularly from those with lived experience for whom recounting past harms can be traumatic. Further recommendations include the provision of greater psychological peer support services, and greater awareness to reduce stigmatisation of people born with variations in sex characteristics. “Too often people in the intersex community experience stigma, shame and a lack of sensitivity and awareness due to no fault of their own,” Professor Croucher said. ‘We acknowledge these issues are difficult, emotional and complex — and that clinicians and par