Council of Europe recommendation on equal rights for intersex persons

Image based on an image by OII Europe, stating "Watershed Moment for Intersex Equality, Council of Europe sets first-ever comprehensive standard for protection of intersex rights across Europe". The words are in front of an intersex purple circle, which is itself in front of a European flag of yellow stars on a blue background

InterAction for Health and Human Rights congratulates OII Europe, ILGA Europe and the Council of Europe on their Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons.

On 7 October 2025, the Council of Europe’s 46 Member States unanimously adopted the first-ever comprehensive Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons (CM/Rec(2025)7), marking a significant and historic milestone for intersex human rights across Europe. This groundbreaking framework addresses critical issues such as the prohibition of non-consensual medical interventions, protection against discrimination in education, employment, and sport, access to justice and healthcare, and recognition of sex characteristics as a protected ground. The Recommendation provides robust guidance for national legislation and will be systematically monitored by the Committee of Ministers. Welcomed by OII Europe and ILGA-Europe, the Recommendation sets a new gold standard for intersex equality and will be officially launched on 27 October 2025 in Strasbourg, alongside the #EuropeGoesPurple campaign to raise awareness and momentum for intersex rights.

The Recommendation sets out very clearly the steps that need to be taken to ensure the health and human rights of intersex people- steps that are equally applicable within Australia. We commend the Council of Europe's 46 Member States for their foresight and commitment to intersex equality.

Links to find out more

Follow this link to read the full Recommendation: https://search.coe.int/cm?i=091259488028b934

Follow this link to read the Explanatory Memorandum which accompanies the Recommendation: https://search.coe.int/cm?i=0912594880281ff9

Acknowledgement of Country

Our Australian staff and board live and work on First Nations lands. We recognise that sovereignty over this land was never ceded and that this always was and always will be Aboriginal land. We acknowledge the continued connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to land, waterways and community and pay our respects to all First Nations people.

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InterAction for Health and Human Rights
Bundjalung Jagun, PO Box 92,
The Channon, New South Wales,
2480, Australia

ABN 73 143 506 594