In September 2025, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations presented its first-ever report on discriminatory laws and policies, violence, and harmful practices against intersex persons.

Over 190 organisations and activists — including intersex people worldwide — contributed to it, ensuring that intersex voices are now on official United Nations record. Thanks to their work, States will no longer be able to ignore the realities they describe and must begin to rectify historic injustices.

We recently welcomed intersex human rights defenders from all over the world to Geneva as the report was presented at the United Nations. We sat down with them to talk about what it feels like to have this report, how activists can use its recommendations to bring about positive change in their own countries, and their hopes for the future. Enjoy your listening!

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Making Rainbow Waves is a new podcast by ILGA World, telling the stories and raising the voices of LGBTI human rights defenders worldwide.

On this podcast, we hear their unique perspectives on how laws, policies and public attitudes impact the lives of our communities on the ground. They guide us through what is happening in their own countries and regions, and why. They tell us about victories and setbacks for LGBTI persons, and shine a light on the powerful work that our communities keep doing, making rainbow waves to advance equality every day.

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In July 2025, the UN Human Rights Council will vote to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. This is the only United Nations mechanism specifically dedicated to addressing violence and discrimination against LGBT and gender-diverse persons!

Since its creation in 2016, mandate holders have extensively documented these issues; they have also sent 171 communications documenting allegations of violations, carried out 10 country visits assisting States in implementing international human rights standards, and collaborated with UN mechanisms.

However, violence and discrimination persist worldwide, and the mandate must continue its work! Hear from civil society from across the world on why the existence of this human rights expert is fundamental, and what it means to them to have someone fighting for them - and with them - at the United Nations.

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In April 2024, something truly transformative happened at the United Nations: the Human Rights Council adopted its first-ever resolution specifically addressing discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against persons with innate variations in sex characteristics.

For this episode, we sat down with four intersex human rights defenders: Crystal Hendricks (ILGA World), Obioma Chukwuike (Intersex Nigeria), Kimberly Zieselman (Outright International) and Kaisli Syrjänen (ISIO – Intersex Human Rights Finland and OII Europe) shared with us what this resolution means to intersex movement, and their own experience as human rights advocates.

This is a much-needed listen to learn more and take action: the United Nations Officer of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recently published a call for input – seeking to inform the preparation of the report mandated by this resolution, and there is until 20 November 2024 to send your comments!

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