UK: Implementation of ‘Cass report’ key to protecting girls from serious harm, says UN expert

[IwantToRetire]

GENEVA (24 April 2024) – The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, today welcomed the recent commitment by the UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to implement recommendations contained in the Independent Review of gender identity services for children and young people (Cass Review), and announcements by NHS Scotland and the Welsh Government that they would suspend the prescription of puberty blockers to children in the wake of the report’s findings. The Special Rapporteur issued the following statement:

I welcome the report’s insights into the increasing number of children and young people being referred to NHS support about their gender identity, and the extraordinarily high number of teenage girls who have been impacted by anxiety and depression in recent years. They are more prone to low self-esteem and body image dissatisfaction. Additionally, the report addresses challenges faced by same-sex attracted children who have suffered from homophobia by wider society or within their families, or who have struggled with accepting their sexual orientation.

The Cass Review recommends adopting a holistic approach to care for children, including girls seeking gender therapy, instead of rapidly initiating permanent gender transition pathways that usually begin with puberty blockers, which could cause temporary or permanent disruption to brain maturation. The review also made an important to address the root causes of their distress, while considering the high rates of co-existing neurodiversity and mental health issues.

I also appreciate the review highlighting the needs of those who have discontinued gender transitioning, known as “detransitioners” – most of whom are girls – and recommending the establishment of a specialised service to support them. Far too long, the suffering of this group of children and adults has been ignored or discounted. The report’s findings and recommendation signals that they have been heard, seen, and that their specific needs have been recognised.

These are only extracts, not the full statement which can be read at https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2024/04/uk-implementation-cass-report-key-protecting-girls-serious-harm-says-un-expert

That's welcome but Victor Madrigal-Borloz (UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination), UN Women, Katy Neeves (UN Women UK delegate) are all trans activists and I'd imagine they will reject Cass (don't expect any coherent arguments though). The UN is a mostly captured, I feel Reem Alsalem is a bit of a lone voice.

Yes - and it will be interesting if that UN Committee, whose name I cant remember and its too late to search, that were asking for (biased) researchers to comment on UN Trans Health Policy make a statement.

Reem Alsalem coming through for the female people again. Thanks to her for being brave and principled enough to keep speaking up, especially as a lone voice.

Where were the UN before the Cass report then.

Cowards.

Until the US gets a real grip on this, I'm afraid Reem Alsalem will continue to be a loan voice.

and UNWomen still think men can be women.