A damning new report from the European Union's Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) has exposed a deeply troubling escalation in violence and discrimination targeted at intersex people across the continent. The comprehensive study, one of the largest of its kind, documents a sharp increase in physical attacks, hate speech, and systemic prejudice.
An Alarming Surge in Hostility
The findings paint a harrowing picture of life for intersex individuals in Europe. Researchers recorded a significant jump in incidents of violence, including assault, harassment, and threatening behaviour. The report indicates that many intersex people are now living in a climate of fear, with a majority experiencing some form of discrimination in their daily lives.
Systemic Discrimination and Social Exclusion
Beyond physical violence, the study highlights pervasive systemic issues. Intersex individuals reported facing severe discrimination in key areas of life, including:
- Healthcare: Difficulties accessing appropriate and respectful medical care.
- Employment: Widespread bias in hiring practices and workplace treatment.
- Legal Recognition: Challenges in obtaining official documents that reflect their identity.
- Public Services: Discrimination when accessing education, housing, and social services.
A Call for Urgent Action from EU States
The FRA has issued a stark warning to EU member states, urging them to implement robust legal protections and policies specifically designed to safeguard intersex people. The report calls for:
- The explicit inclusion of intersex status in hate crime legislation.
- Comprehensive training for police, judiciary, and healthcare professionals.
- Launching public awareness campaigns to combat prejudice and promote understanding.
- Putting an end to non-essential medical interventions on intersex infants and children.
The report concludes that current measures are woefully inadequate and that without immediate and decisive action, the situation for the intersex community in Europe is likely to deteriorate further.
