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Council of Europe: Better protect the rights of trans people
According to the Council of Europe, anyone who can credibly demonstrate their fear of persecution as a trans person should be able to be recognized as a refugee. photo
© Hannes P Albert/dpa
There is progress in enforcing the rights of trans people, says the Council of Europe – but also “shockingly high” levels of discrimination and violence. The organization is now making concrete proposals.
Despite the increased visibility of trans people and significant progress, there are “shockingly high rates of discrimination, violence and insecurity experienced by trans people in their daily lives” in Europe, the organization says in a report launched today.
Specifically, the Council of Europe recommends that trans people have access to specific health care without having to submit a psychological report. In addition, gender identity should be explicitly included as a prohibited ground of discrimination in the relevant laws.
Persecuted trans people as refugees
According to the Council of Europe, anyone who can credibly demonstrate their fear of persecution as a trans person should be able to be recognized as a refugee. In prisons, depending on the individual case, it must be checked which detention facility is the right one.
The procedures for legal gender reassignment should therefore be carried out much faster and more transparently and should also be open to minors if their maturity and needs are adequately taken into account. According to the recommendations, rigid age limits may not apply.
Sanitary facilities should be able to be used safely and with dignity for all people. In the best case scenario, a facility that is inclusive of all genders would be available, the report said.
Easier to change gender entry
In Germany, the Bundestag is currently discussing making it easier to change gender entries. According to the draft law by Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens), in the future everyone should be able to determine their gender and first name themselves and change them in a simple procedure at the registry office.
The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 to protect democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe. It is independent of the European Union. It includes 46 European countries.