UPDATED! Watch history live at the UN, 15 September!

Background on the events of 15 September

On 4 April 2024, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted its first-ever resolution titled “Combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons”- a landmark moment in the global recognition of intersex human rights. Learn more

In line with the Resolution’s mandate, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has produced a comprehensive Report detailing the lived experiences, challenges, and rights violations faced by intersex people worldwide. Read about this.

This pivotal Report will be formally presented to the Human Rights Council on Monday, 15 September 2025, by a diverse panel of governments, experts, and intersex activists, marking a new chapter in international advocacy and accountability.

Join us in celebrating this groundbreaking step toward dignity, equality, and bodily autonomy for intersex persons everywhere!

The panel discussion

The report was presented in a Panel Discussion at the 60th Human Rights Council, on Monday 15 September 2025, commencing at 10am CET (6pm AEST, 4pm AWST).

In the panel discussion, the opening statement was delivered by Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. Panellists were:

• Ms. Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health (video message)
• Mr. Jeff Cagandahan, Executive Director at Intersex Philippines and Board Member at Intersex Asia 
• Ms. Andrea Albagli Iruretagoyena, Undersecretary of Public Health of Chile 
• Mr. Yuri de Boer, Chair of an Expert Committee of the Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion at the Council of Europe

Here's the panel discussion, in a playlist on YouTube (each video will play in turn):

Interventions were made by intersex community leaders from around the world, including Morgan Carpenter, Obioma Chukwuike, Kimberly Zieselman, Dan Christian Ghattas, and Crystal Hendrickx.

Statement delivered by Morgan Carpenter

Morgan delivered a statement on behalf of Action Canada for Population and Development, InterAction for Health and Human Rights, and Sexual Rights Initiative:

Thank you, President. Action Canada joins InterAction for Health and Human Rights and Sexual Rights Initiative in this statement. 

We congratulate OHCHR for the report and all panelists for their interventions. Today is a historic day for intersex people everywhere. 

I am executive director of an Australian intersex organization. We are proud of the role that Australia played in this process, and of the progress made by the Australian Capital Territory in implementing reforms to protect many intersex people from harmful practices in medical settings. We hope the report will support effective change in Australia and around the world. 

Intersex people have been historically pathologized, or disordered by medicine. The best interests of children has been manipulated to justify practices to alter their bodies in line with gender and sexual stereotypes. Loose concepts of medical necessity rely on social and cultural norms, rather than urgent necessity. 

Member States must enact laws to prevent harmful practices in medical settings, and to ensure their victims have access to support, truth and reparations. Member States must support intersex-led organizations to provide psychosocial and healthcare services to their communities, and to keep engaging in human rights work. 

Read all the statements delivered during the Panel Discussion

The event is 2 hours in length. It was live-streamed. The recording is available via the live-stream link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k1wk3w7u6i

More reading

Find out more about the report and more on our resource page.

Find out about the Human Rights Commission side event on fulfilling intersex rights, 18 September 2025.