Getting ‘Intersex’ in the CRVS Picture: InterAction and Intersex Asia collaborate on data inclusion

In a landmark moment for intersex advocacy, the Third Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in Asia and the Pacific saw the first-ever high-level discussion dedicated to intersex inclusion within CRVS systems. Held from June 24–26, 2025, at UNESCAP in Bangkok, the side event titled “Getting ‘Intersex’ in the Picture: Ensuring Intersex Inclusion in CRVS Mechanisms” marked a turning point in the global movement for intersex rights.

This historic event was co-organised by Intersex Asia alongside key partners including Campaign for Change (Nepal), Intersex Philippines, and notably, InterAction for Health and Human Rights. InterAction’s involvement was instrumental in shaping the event’s scope and impact, bringing technical expertise, policy insight, and a strong commitment to human rights-based approaches.

Dr. Morgan Carpenter participated via teleconference, representing InterAction in a presentation that underscored the importance of accurate and respectful data standards. He introduced the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables (2020), which distinguishes innate variations of sex characteristics (IVSC) as a separate concept from sex, gender, and sexual orientation. This nuanced framework offers a model for inclusive CRVS systems that recognise and respect intersex people from birth.

Moderated by Prashant Singh, Intersex Asia’s Research and Advocacy Officer, the panel featured powerful presentations from other intersex leaders as well. Jeff Cagandahan from Intersex Asia & Intersex Philippines shared his personal legal battle to correct his identity documents, which inspired the proposed Cagandahan Bill. His story highlighted the urgent need for administrative reform to prevent others from enduring similar judicial ordeals. Esan Regmi from Intersex Asia provided a critical analysis of Nepal’s legal inconsistencies, including the presence of confusing gender categories on official forms, the real risks of harmful medical interventions on intersex infants, and inadequate census data that obscures intersex realities.

These insights painted a clear picture: without inclusive CRVS systems, intersex individuals remain invisible, vulnerable, and excluded from basic rights and protections.

Beyond the side event, Intersex Asia played a key role in drafting the official Civil Society Statement, read during the conference’s opening session. Thanks to strategic advocacy including support from InterAction, the statement included a strong call for intersex inclusion and recognised the unique challenges faced by the community.

This collaboration reflects a growing momentum. Intersex Asia and InterAction are now working together to produce a comprehensive thematic report on CRVS, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers across Asia and the Pacific.

The success of this event and the powerful partnership between Intersex Asia and InterAction for Health and Human Rights has placed intersex inclusion firmly on the CRVS agenda. It’s more than a milestone; it’s a signal that change is not only possible, but already underway. As Dr. Morgan Carpenter and InterAction continue to champion inclusive policy frameworks, and as intersex advocates across Asia push for recognition and reform, the message is clear: every intersex person deserves to be counted, respected, and protected from birth.