The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has published their binding concluding observations on the fourth periodic report of Chile, calling for an implementation of a rights based health care protocol for intersex children. Identifying intersex genital mutilation practices as a “harmful practice” they have called for an "effective remedy for victims, including redress and compensation”. In their submissions to the Committee, Chile’s fourth periodic report does not specifically mention intersex children. Currently intersex infants have no legal protections in Chile and medical professionals operate with discretion. The Committee notes the proposed development of a protocol for the health care of intersex babies and children and “is seriously concerned about cases of medically unnecessary and irreversible surgery and other treatment on intersex children, without their informed consent, which can cause severe suffering, and the lack of redress and compensation in such cases.” It recommends that “the State party expedite the development and implementation of a rights-based health care protocol for intersex children, setting the procedures and steps to be followed by health teams, ensuring that no one is subjected to unnecessary surgery or treatment during infancy or childhood, protecting the rights of the children concerned to physical and mental integrity, autonomy and self-determination, providing intersex children and their families with adequate counselling and support, including from peers, and ensuring effective remedy for victims, including redress and compensation.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 13th October 2015 - 11:41am