Europe’s new intersex rights commitment

On 7 October 2025, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted the Recommendation on the equal rights of intersex persons (CM/Rec(2025)7) — the first comprehensive European standard on the physical integrity, equality and dignity of intersex people.

The document, unanimously adopted by 46 member states, including Azerbaijan, sets out specific obligations for states to:

• End medical interventions on a person’s sex characteristics without their free, prior and informed consent;

• Protect against discrimination, hate speech and violence based on sex characteristics;

• Ensure equal opportunities in health, education, employment and sport.

For Azerbaijan, which ranks last in the ILGA-Europe 2025 Rainbow Map as the worst country in Europe for LGBTQI+ rights, the document is both a test of hope and political will.

As a member state of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan must take the following steps to fulfil these obligations:

1. Adopt a law prohibiting medical interventions on sex characteristics without consent;

2. Include “sex characteristics” as a protected ground in equality and criminal law;

3. Ensure access to justice, compensation and rehabilitation for victims of harmful and non-consensual medical procedures.

Everyone has the right to make decisions about their own body.

Intersex rights are human rights — and it is time for Azerbaijan to act.

Read the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)7.

What is intersex and what does CM/Rec(2025)7 mean?

Who is intersex?

Intersex people are people whose genitals, chromosomes, hormones or reproductive anatomy do not fully conform to the definition of “male” or “female”. This is a natural biological variation, not a disease. Around one in every 100 people in the world is born intersex.

What is the problem?

Intersex children and adults are often subjected to medical or surgical interventions without their consent. These operations violate bodily integrity, cause psychological trauma and long-term health problems.

What is Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)7 of the Council of Europe?

Adopted on 7 October 2025, this document is the first comprehensive framework to protect the rights of intersex people in Europe.

The Recommendation requires member states to:

• Prohibit medical interventions without consent;

• End discrimination and hate speech based on sex characteristics;

• Ensure equal opportunities and access to justice.

Azerbaijan has also supported this document and is now committed to incorporating these principles into legislation and practical policies.

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