Intersex refugees face unique challenges which are often compounded by their marginalised identity and the asylum system’s failure to recognise their specific needs. In many countries, intersex people experience discrimination, social exclusion, and harmful medical practices like Intersex Genital Mutilation (IGM). This discrimination makes their need for asylum urgent, yet legal frameworks typically do not explicitly include “sex characteristics” as a ground for seeking protection. Additionally, intersex refugees often face difficulty accessing healthcare during migration, particularly treatments such as hormone therapy, which may be life-saving for some. All of this creates obstacles in seeking asylum support and ultimately leaves intersex refugees more vulnerable.
To address these issues and advocate for the rights of intersex refugees, VIMÖ, an intersex-led organisation in Austria funded by GiveOut’s grant partner the Intersex Human Rights Fund, have created a programme focusing on providing asylum support for intersex individuals. This includes educating duty bearers and civil society organisations to deliver informed and compassionate support to intersex asylum seekers, particularly in areas such as language justice and trauma navigation.
As part of this initiative, VIMÖ collaborated with OII Europe to publish the “OII Europe Refugees & Asylum Seekers Toolkit.” This toolkit offers comprehensive information about the specific challenges faced by intersex refugees and asylum seekers. It serves as a valuable resource for professionals working in the asylum system, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to support intersex individuals effectively. The toolkit addresses knowledge gaps in the asylum process and provides concrete recommendations for improving the treatment of intersex refugees.
One intersex refugee who shared their story anonymously said: “The second biggest challenge, and probably the worst one, was to find a safe space for me to shelter myself, sleep and where I could have respect for my privacy and dignity. Most of the spaces in refugee settings are very chaotic, when gender /sex segregation is enforced, depending on our appearance and documentation, these situations can make us visible and at risk of abuse, discrimination and mistreatment by other refugees. Crisis settings have not been adequate and aware of the particular needs that minorities such as intersex refugees require in such settings.”
The publication of the toolkit is expected to have a positive impact on how intersex refugees are perceived and supported within the asylum system. By raising awareness of intersex issues among professionals, the toolkit aims to foster a more informed and compassionate response to intersex individuals seeking asylum. The initiative also seeks to promote the inclusion of explicit protections for intersex people within legal frameworks, ultimately improving their safety and access to essential healthcare and social services. Through these efforts, VIMÖ and OII Europe hope to create a more supportive environment for intersex refugees around the world, helping them navigate the asylum process with dignity and respect.
Read the full toolkit here.