We Sign for Human Rights

News | January 9, 2022

Today, we celebrate International Day of Sign Languages and CBM Global is pleased to join in this celebration. This is a day recognised by the UN to celebrate, support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and others who use national sign languages. The theme for this year is – “We Sign for Human Rights”.

The right to sign language is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is implemented in countries throughout the world, including in countries with low incomes.

David Bainbridge, Executive Director of CBM Global, says:

“CBM Global is proud to partner with the World Federation of the Deaf. We believe that without legal sign language recognition, there is no exercise of any other human rights for deaf people”.

Here’s a video of David saying “We sign for human rights” in International Sign:

Here’s a video of Elizabeth Lockwood, CBM’s Representative to the UN, saying “We sign for human rights” in American Sign:

If you want to find out where sign language is recognised and by which country, visit this page from the World Federation of the Deaf. You can also sign up to sign the Charter for Sign Language Rights: http://wfdeaf.org/news/resources/wfd-charter-on-sign-language-rights-for-all/

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