Intersex Asia welcomes WHO’s statement to include the concerns of LGBTI communities across the Asia-Pacific region while designing its policy response for COVID-19

On 24 August 2020, Intersex Asia had endorsed an open letter calling the World Health Organisation (WHO) to include the concerns of LGBTI communities across the Asia-Pacific region while designing its policy response for COVID-19. The open letter was jointly written by LGBTI organisation who are working in the Asia and Pacific region.

Last week (Oct. 8th, 2020), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus- Director General, WHO responded to the letter and acknowledged the concerns raised by the LGBTI organisation from the region. Acknowledging the letter, Dr. Ghebreyesus said- “Rest assured that we have heard your important message and, as we update our guidance and approach to COVID-19, we will ensure that specific challenges of LGBTQI communities will be recognized and addressed.” In the letter, the Director General affirmed the commitment of WHO and the UN institutions to words towards addressing the “disparities faced by LGBTQI populations”. Further, the letter acknowledged the need to ensure protection of the right to health and well-being of LGBTI people.   

Intersex Asia welcomes the statement of WHO. In particular, we are delighted to hear that WHO is working on expanding its CSO engagement strategy. In this regard, IA would like to reiterate its commitment to work with inter-governmental institutions like WHO and other UN agencies. At this point, we would like to highlight that COVID-19 pandemic has made it increasingly evident that in times of crisis, intersex people face even greater vulnerability because they are invisbilied in the public discourse. We invite WHO and institutions within the UN system to consult intersex organisations so as to ensure that the essential health services are made available to intersex people. 

We are optimistic that WHO would take positive action in alignment with its statement and proactively engage with LGBTI organisations. Also, we hope that national governments and other intergovernmental organisations would also emulate the approach adopted by WHO.

Intersex Asia Network

Oct. 14th, 2020