HRC 60: Item: 3 Panel discussion on combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons

Geneva, 15 September 2025

Delivered by Ambassador Vasilika Hysi, Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

The adoption of Resolution 55/14 by the Council represents a historic milestone: for the first time, this Council has addressed the human rights of intersex persons, who for too long have lived in the shadows of silence, stigma, and harmful practices.

This resolution is a powerful affirmation that intersex persons are entitled, without discrimination, to the same dignity, rights, and protection as every human being.

Intersex persons continue to face discrimination, violence, and medical unnecessary interventions that compromise their bodily integrity and well-being. It is therefore our collective responsibility to ensure that legal systems, health protocols, and social policies fully respect the principles of non-discrimination, bodily autonomy, and informed consent.

Protecting intersex persons is not only a matter of health and law – it is a matter of human dignity and human rights.

In Albania, reforms adopted in 2020 introduced a medical protocol restricting surgical interventions on intersex infants strictly to cases of medical necessity. In the same year, Albania amended its Law on Protection from Discrimination to explicitly include “sex characteristics” as a protected ground. These steps illustrate how combining legal protection with medical safeguards can advance equality in practice.

Mr. President.

Intersex persons, like all persons, must live free from discrimination, violence, and harmful practices. Let us build on the best practices shared in today’s discussion and continue to strengthen international cooperation on this matter.

Thank you.