Sign up for sign language rights

International Day of Sign Language was first celebrated on September 23, 2018, after the United Nations General Assembly officially declared it in 2017. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951.

Children who are deaf have historically faced many barriers such as access to quality services, which constitutes a denial of their human rights.  The theme this year for the International Sign Language Day advocates for equal access, recognition, and inclusion of the deaf community, ensuring their right to communicate and participate fully in society.

19 out of 21 countries in the Eastern and Southern Africa region have ratified the UNCRPD, which recognizes sign language as fundamental channel of communication for freedom of expression and access to information. The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa further underscore the importance of sign language in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. UNICEF Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030 emphasizes inclusive communication, providing resources in sign language and promoting its use in advocacy to ensure full participation of children with disabilities by 2030.

Sign languages differ across countries due to cultural, historical, and linguistic influences, resulting in unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Uganda Sign Language (USL) has been recognized since 1995, with Uganda being a pioneer in the East and Southern Region making sign language an official language, leading to better services and political representation for people who are deaf. More countries in the region have made sign language official including Zimbabwean Sign Language (ZSL) in 2013, Kenya Sign Language (KSL) in 2021 and recently South Africa Sign Language (SASL) in 2023. 

The official recognition of sign languages across these countries has enhanced accessibility in public services, legal systems, and education, fostering greater inclusivity and reducing stigma. It has also improved educational outcomes as schools incorporate sign language into curriculums and allowed increased political representation for people who are deaf. However, challenges remain, such as limited resources, trained professionals, and inconsistent implementation. Societal stigma and regional disparities also hinder full integration and acceptance, requiring ongoing efforts to overcome these barriers.

Promoting sign language is key to fostering an inclusive society for people who are deaf. By raising public awareness, integrating sign language into school curriculums, and providing interpreters at public events, accessibility can be greatly enhanced. Additionally, advocating for policies that recognize sign language in government, education, and public sectors ensures long-term change. Normalizing its use in daily communication, along with sharing success stories, can inspire broader adoption.

UNICEF in collaboration with UNESCO has implemented the Accessible Digital Textbooks initiative, with funding from UNPRPD, which enable digital learning materials to be available in accessible formats for children with and without disabilities, advocated for use and official recognition of national sign languages as the first and most accessible natural languages. UNICEF ESARO has subsequently developed a guidance for helping governments, developers, and publishers to include efficiently sign languages in digital teaching and learning materials. Here is guidance for Sign Language for Deaf Children’s Education and Guidance on its Use in Accessible Digital Teaching & Learning Materials. For more information on how to sign up for sign language rights visit wfdeaf.org/guidelinesaslr and UN observance sign-languages-day.