The High Commission for Human Rights in Tunisia, affiliated with the United Nations, has highlighted the importance of recognizing sign languages, facilitating access to them, and promoting their use. This stance was reiterated on Wednesday, in a statement released on the occasion of the International Day of Sign Languages, which falls on September 23rd every year. The commission emphasized that this recognition is a fundamental step towards guaranteeing equality, respect for the rights of deaf individuals, and enhancing their full participation in public and social life.
The International Day of Sign Languages, celebrated for the first time in 2018, is an opportunity to recall the significance of sign languages as a primary means of communication for deaf individuals and a vital element of their cultural and linguistic identity. The 2026 International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated under the theme "Declaration of Human Rights for Deaf People," calling for efforts to make human rights for deaf individuals a reality in all areas of life. This includes recognizing, protecting, and promoting these rights.
According to the United Nations, there are over 300 different national sign languages used by deaf individuals worldwide. These languages are considered equal to spoken languages, despite the occasional use of "International Sign" in global meetings and events. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Tunisia on February 11, 2008, recognizes sign languages and encourages their use. It also emphasizes that sign languages have equal status to spoken languages and obliges states to facilitate the learning of sign languages and promote the linguistic identity of the deaf community.
The High Commission for Human Rights in Tunisia has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that everyone has the right to communicate, express themselves, and participate fully and effectively in society without discrimination. The commission's statement highlights the importance of guaranteeing this right, particularly for deaf individuals who rely on sign languages as their primary means of communication.
The International Week of Deaf People, which began in 1958, has evolved into a global movement that promotes unity among deaf communities and unites advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by deaf individuals in their daily lives. The week, which takes place from September 21 to 27, aims to promote the rights and inclusion of deaf individuals worldwide.
Tunisia's recognition of sign languages is a significant step towards promoting the rights and inclusion of deaf individuals in the country. The government's commitment to facilitating access to sign languages and promoting their use is essential for ensuring equal opportunities for deaf individuals in education, employment, and other areas of life.
The celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages in Tunisia serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by deaf individuals and to promote their rights and inclusion in all areas of life.
Key points
- The High Commission for Human Rights in Tunisia emphasizes that recognizing sign languages is crucial for ensuring equality and respect for the rights of deaf individuals.
- There are over 300 different national sign languages used by deaf individuals worldwide, recognized by the United Nations as equal to spoken languages.
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Tunisia, recognizes sign languages and encourages their use to promote the linguistic identity of the deaf community.
