The National Human Rights Commission of Tunisia, through its office, has stated that recognizing sign languages, facilitating access to them, and promoting their use is a fundamental step towards ensuring equality and respect for the rights of deaf individuals. This statement was made on the occasion of the International Day of Sign Languages, which falls on September 23rd every year. The commission reiterated the importance of guaranteeing everyone's right to communicate, express themselves, and participate fully and effectively in society without discrimination.
The International Day of Sign Languages, which was first celebrated in 2018, serves as a reminder of the significance of sign languages as a primary means of communication for deaf individuals and an essential element of their cultural and linguistic identity. This year's theme, "Human Rights Declaration for Deaf People," calls for action to make human rights for deaf individuals a reality in all areas of life. The commission highlighted the importance of recognizing, protecting, and promoting these rights.
According to the United Nations, there are over 300 national sign languages used by deaf communities worldwide. These languages are considered equal to spoken languages, despite the occasional use of "International Sign" in global meetings and events. The UN's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Tunisia ratified on February 11, 2008, recognizes sign languages and encourages their use. The convention 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 recognition of sign languages is seen as a crucial step towards promoting social inclusion and equality for deaf individuals in Tunisia. By acknowledging the importance of sign languages, the government and other stakeholders can work towards creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for deaf individuals to participate fully in society. This includes providing access to education, employment, and healthcare services in sign language.
The National Human Rights Commission's statement highlights the need for continued efforts to promote the rights of deaf individuals in Tunisia. This includes raising awareness about the importance of sign languages and providing training and resources for individuals and organizations to learn and use sign languages effectively. By working together, stakeholders can help create a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
The International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated annually during the International Week of Deaf People, which takes place from September 21 to 27. This week-long event aims to promote the unity of deaf communities and raise awareness about the challenges faced by deaf individuals in their daily lives. The celebration has evolved into a global movement that supports advocacy efforts to promote the rights and inclusion of deaf individuals.
In Tunisia, the recognition of sign languages is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of deaf individuals, enabling them to participate more fully in society and access essential services. The National Human Rights Commission's statement serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities. By working together, stakeholders can help create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Key points
- The National Human Rights Commission of Tunisia emphasizes recognition of sign languages as crucial for equality and social participation of deaf individuals.
