As the world prepares to celebrate International Sign Language Day on September 23, 2026, Chad's Minister of Social Action, Zara Mahamat Issa, has issued a statement emphasizing the government's dedication to promoting the rights and inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The minister highlighted the significance of this day as an opportunity to shed light on the importance of guaranteeing the rights, dignity, and full participation of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in national life.
This year's celebration, themed "Affirming the Fundamental Rights of Deaf Persons," focuses on the recognition and accessibility of sign languages. According to Minister Zara Mahamat Issa, sign languages are "full-fledged languages" that require recognition and accessibility to enable deaf individuals to access essential services such as education, healthcare, justice, information, and public services. The minister's statement underscores the government's commitment to promoting solidarity, social justice, and inclusion.
The minister assured the deaf community in Chad that her department will continue to work towards better recognition and promotion of sign languages, as well as their integration into various sectors of national life. She emphasized that accessibility is not a favor but a fundamental condition for equal rights and participation. Minister Zara Mahamat Issa reiterated her commitment to promoting inclusion, protection, empowerment, and participation of persons with disabilities.
To achieve these goals, the minister mentioned the strengthening of institutional mechanisms dedicated to the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly through the National Agency for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ANPPDPH). She stressed the importance of the principle "Nothing about us without us," calling for the full involvement of persons with disabilities in policies and decisions that affect them.
Minister Zara Mahamat Issa appealed to the government, partners, organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to make accessibility and inclusion a collective responsibility. She invited all stakeholders to work together to promote the rights and dignity of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. On this special day, the minister extended her greetings and encouragement to the deaf community, families, sign language interpreters, and organizations working towards inclusion.
The celebration of International Sign Language Day in Chad serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting sign language recognition and accessibility. Key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and the private sector, are expected to play a crucial role in promoting the rights and inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Key points
- The Chadian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
- International Sign Language Day is celebrated on September 23, 2026, with the theme "Affirming the Fundamental Rights of Deaf Persons."
- The recognition and accessibility of sign languages are essential for enabling deaf individuals to access essential services.
