'' We Sign for Human Rights " International Day of Sign Languages 2021

Theme: '' We Sign for Human Rights " International Day of Sign Languages 2021

The International Day of Sign Languages is an unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. The 2021 theme, declared by the World Federation of the Deaf, is “We Sign For Human Rights,” highlighting how each of us – deaf and hearing people around the world – can work together hand in hand to promote the recognition of our right to use sign languages in all areas of life.

According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are more than 70 million deaf people worldwide. More than 80% of them live in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 different sign languages. Sign languages are fully fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from the spoken languages. There is also an international sign language, which is used by deaf people in international meetings and informally when travelling and socializing. It is considered a pidgin form of sign language that is not as complex as natural sign languages and has a limited lexicon.

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) are organising a webinar on 23 September 2021 with a panel of high-level experts from the WFD, UNOG and State-Parties, to raise awareness of the importance of sign languages. This webinar also aims to guide States Parties on what they can undertake to provide sign languages to everyone.