April 2, 2026
In February 2026, the Clinic submitted a submission to the UN Human Rights Committee highlighting Canada’s failure to protect the rights of intersex children. The submission expressed concern that Canada’s Criminal Code does not prohibit physicians from performing involuntary genital surgeries on intersex children for the purpose of giving them “normal sexual appearance or function.” The submission also noted the lack of formal protections for intersex people in Canada’s anti-discrimination laws.
During the Human Rights Committee’s consideration of Canada’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), held on March 3 and 4 in Geneva, Switzerland, the Clinic engaged with Committee members, government representatives, and civil society groups. The dialogue focused on steps Canada must take to fulfill its obligations under the Covenant, including to ensure the dignity and bodily integrity of intersex children.
The Committee’s concluding observations urged Canada to “amend its legislations, including the Criminal Code to ensure that intersex children are not subjected to medically unnecessary surgeries without their full, free and informed consent.” The Committee also called on Canada to strengthen awareness-raising programmes on the harmful impact of these procedures and to guarantee access to effective remedies and reparations for victims. Implementing these recommendations is a critical step to align Canada’s domestic framework with international human rights standards.