ACHPR passed a resolution which recognised the rights of intersex people, about 1.7 per cent of the people are born with sexual characteristics which are slightly different from the socially accepted norms. The Resolution is based on the objective that people born with a body a little different do not take away their right to equal dignity and autonomy.
The African Charter on Human & People’s right focuses on two aspects :
a) Promoting and Protecting the rights of intersex people.
b) Non-Censual Normalization the intersex persons.
The first aspect mainly focuses on providing comprehensive education to end the violations of the rights of intersex people and to stop the various practices of i) Infanticide and ii) abandonment and Discrimination of intersex people.
The second aspect is to prohibit the common practice of undergoing cosmetic surgeries of the genitals to make them socially accepted-looking organs and this process was popularised in the 60s as “Normalising”. the ACHPR is working on setting up laws to stop the practice of normalisation as these surgeries to various physical disabilities and mental trauma and agony.
The Resolution affirms that discrimination against African women athletes will be considered unreasonable as the common practice of them undergoing a “Sex test” is very detrimental to the athlete and the arbitrary and unscientific method of putting up a testosterone bar is unacceptable.
Human Rights Commission globally like Human Rights Watch is applauding this much-needed step of the continent towards a discrimination-free globe.
Swarnabh Saha, Bcom-LLB(H) Sem -6, St.Xavier’s University,Kolkata
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