Respect and Dignity for All

The recent landmark resolution by the United Nations Human Rights Council, promoting the rights and protections of intersex individuals, marks a significant advancement in the global fight for equality and justice.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Philippines has commendably echoed this sentiment, recognizing the necessity of both local and global efforts to combat discrimination and uphold human rights for all.

Intersex individuals, those born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies, have long faced severe discrimination and human rights abuses. These include infanticide, forced medical interventions, exclusion from education and sports, employment discrimination, and a lack of access to justice and legal recognition.

This reality underscores a pervasive problem: the failure to respect and protect the inherent dignity of intersex and other LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) individuals.

The UN resolution is a critical step in addressing these injustices, calling on member states to enhance the visibility of intersex people and to develop tailored medical and mental health services.

The resolution’s emphasis on visibility and tailored medical and mental health services for intersex individuals is not merely a bureaucratic advancement but a profound affirmation of their humanity.

For too long, intersex individuals have suffered in silence, marginalized by societal norms that rigidly define gender and sexuality. This resolution challenges these outdated paradigms, pushing nations to reform and adopt policies that ensure the dignity, rights, and well-being of intersex people.

The CHR’s support is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to upholding human rights for all, echoing the core values of empathy, respect, and equality. The creation of a special committee on LGBTQIA+ affairs through Executive Order No. 51 by the Philippine government signifies a promising stride towards comprehensive protection and promotion of the rights of intersex and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

However, much more needs to be done. It is imperative that these frameworks translate into concrete actions that protect and promote the rights of intersex and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

However, the fight against discrimination and stigma is far from over. The daily reality for many intersex individuals are violations that are not just legal issues but profound moral failings that demand our immediate and unwavering attention.

Respecting and safeguarding the rights of intersex and LGBTQIA+ people is not just about policy. It is about recognizing their humanity and their right to live free from violence, discrimination, and prejudice. It is about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their gender identity or sex characteristics, has equal access to opportunities and justice.

The CHR’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of every Filipino, without prejudice, is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. It is a call to action for all of us to foster a society that values diversity and inclusivity.

In this context, the UN resolution is not just a policy directive but a moral imperative, urging us to challenge and change the societal norms and practices that perpetuate inequality and harm.

It is crucial that the spirit of this resolution permeates every level of society. Governments, institutions, and individuals must work collaboratively to create environments where intersex and LGBTQIA+ individuals are respected and valued. This involves educating communities, reforming discriminatory laws and practices, and ensuring that support services are accessible and affirming.

Ultimately, the measure of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. The UN resolution, supported by the CHR, provides a framework for a more just and humane world. Let us embrace this opportunity to champion the rights of intersex and LGBTQIA+ individuals, ensuring that respect, dignity, and equality are not just ideals but realities for all.