South Africa govt asks UN to probe Semenya sex row

The South African government has asked the United Nations to investigate the violation of rights of world 800m champion Caster Semenya, who is at the centre of a public storm over her gender.

"There has been blatant disregard for Miss Semenya's human dignity. I would therefore like to request that you investigate this matter as it has severe consequences for women participation in sports globally," women's minister Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya wrote to the UN.