Farewell, President Croucher: A Tribute to Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher

Intersex Human Rights Australia extends heartfelt gratitude to Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher for her exceptional tenure as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. Over seven years, President Croucher’s tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on human rights advocacy.

During her tenure, President Croucher championed critical initiatives, including the release of reports addressing gender equality, workplace respect, and elder abuse. Her leadership also led to the establishment of a national anti-racism framework. Notably, she hosted over 100 international delegations, chaired the Asia Pacific Forum, and actively participated in the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

One of President Croucher’s significant contributions occurred in 2021 when she led the conclusion of a groundbreaking report. Titled “Ensuring Health and Bodily Integrity: A Human Rights Approach for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics,” this report made 12 recommendations for informed decision-making on medical interventions. It was the result of extensive consultations, including input from individuals born with variations in sex characteristics who advocated passionately for their right to life, bodily autonomy, and integrity.

The impact of these recommendations reverberated beyond the Commission. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), they influenced the enactment of legal protections and the establishment of psychosocial support services for children with innate variations of sex characteristics and their families.

President Rosalind Croucher, your unwavering commitment to human rights has been nothing short of remarkable. We celebrate your achievements and thank you for your transformative work.