09.06.2016: UN to reprimand UK + Nepal for Intersex Genital Mutilations

UN-CRC has consistently recognised IGM as a ‘harmful practice’ (like FGM) and as ‘violence against children’, and recently reprimanded Ireland, France, Chile and Switzerland. For the 72nd CRC session, intersex NGOs StopIGM.org, IntersexUK, the UK Intersex Association and Blue Diamond Society Nepal documented corroborating evidence for ongoing human rights violations of intersex children in both countries, including personal testimonies of IGM survivors.

StopIGM.org, IntersexUK, The UK Intersex Association and Leslie Jaye, Esan Regmi and Parsu Ram Rai demand the prohibition of forced genital surgeries on children and adolescents with Variations of Sex Anatomy and “Human Rights for Hermaphrodites too!”

Persons concerned shall later decide themselves, if they want surgeries or not, and if yes, which.

Kind regards

Daniela “Nella” Truffer    +41 76 398 06 50
Markus Bauer    +41 78 829 12 60
Founding members StopIGM.org / Zwischengeschlecht.org

Contact IntersexUK: info_at_intersexuk.org
Contact UK Intersex Association: +44 78 3119 6143

presse_at_zwischengeschlecht.info
http://StopIGM.org  
 

VIDEO Action vs. ‘I-D$D’ Genital Mutilators!
4th I-D$D Symposium, Glasgow 2013
Thanks to Richard Duncker (MenDoComplain)

>>> on Vimeo

VIDEO Action vs. ‘ISHID’ Live Mutilators!
IV ISHID World Congress, London 2011
Thanks to Richard Duncker (MenDoComplain) 

>>> on Youtube  
 

Background: IGM Practices in the UK and in Nepal

>>> That’s why the UK will be reprimanded for IGM Practices by UN-CRC

On 23–24 May during the review of the UK, a CRC expert addressed IGM facilitated by the NHS under ‘harmful practices’ as ‘harmful treatments’ having ‘very bad effects on those involved, lifelong physical and psychological pain. And I wonder what you would do about this – in fact you directly finance it, the UK government through the public health assurances.’   >>> Full Transcription

>>> Intersex Genital Mutilations, Stigma and Bullying in Nepal

During the review of Nepal on 19–20 May, the expert noted non-concensual unnecessary surgery on intersex children ‘being viewed by this committee as a harmful practice’ and criticised the ‘increasing practice’ in Nepal, asking ‘I wonder if you are aware of these issues, because intersex children in your country have informed us that they feel stigmatised and discriminated against, also that they’re not given the proper self-determination in these issues.’  >>> Full Transcription

>>> The UN condemn Intersex Genital Mutilations – 12 reprimands so far

During the 72nd CRC session, both the UK and Nepal refused to address the actual questions on IGM, but tried to change the subject, talking about transgender issues or civil status ‘other than male or female’ instead – thus following established patterns of non-disclosure and denial which in the past regularly resulted in particularly stern reprimands for the state parties concerned. UN treaty bodies CAT, CRC and CRPD have issued so far 12 reprimands over IGM practices to Austria, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Switzerland.

Typically, UN treaty bodies oblige complicit states to

(a) take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent non-urgent treatment without informed consent of the person concerned

(b) adopt legal provisions to ensure access to redress and adequate compensation for victims

(c) provide families with intersex children with adequate counselling and support

Eliminating IGM practices by holding the perpetrators accountable via well-established applicable human rights frameworks, including Inhuman Treatment and Harmful Practices – Presentation @ UN expert meeting on Intersex Human Rights in Geneva 26.–27.10.2015
>>> Download PDF (831kb)