Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has launched a legal reform process aimed at recognising and protecting the rights of intersex persons in line with international human rights standards and national development goals.
Speaking at the Intersex Stakeholders Meeting in Harare on Tuesday, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, said the initiative supported President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies.
“This meeting marks the official kick-off of our comprehensive legal research into the lives of intersex persons in Zimbabwe,” Mrs Nyemba said.
“It is a critical step towards identifying existing legal and policy gaps, and developing a robust framework that ensures the full protection of their human rights.”
Mrs Nyemba said the ministry, through the Department of Policy and Legal Affairs and the Law Development Commission, is working with various partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to build capacity and raise awareness on intersex issues.
Zimbabwe’s legal review follows the adoption of Resolution 552 by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in March 2023, which calls on African states to adopt laws and policies that advance the rights of intersex persons.
“We have also accepted the Universal Periodic Review recommendations to protect intersex persons from non-consensual medical procedures and other human rights violations,” said Mrs Nyemba.
Government plans to carry out nationwide consultations and research that will lead to actionable recommendations, including proposed legal and policy reforms and clear institutional responsibilities for implementation.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mr Lealem Berhanu Dinku said the reforms were critical to closing long-standing gaps in Zimbabwe’s legal framework.
“Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. It is estimated that 1.7 percent of the global population is intersex.
“They often face discrimination, medical violations, and exclusion. This initiative is a major step forward in protecting their rights,” he said.
