International Day of Sign Languages – 23 September 2021
The Ministry of Education, Heritage & Arts recognises the International Day of Sign Languages and supports and protects the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all hearing impaired and other sign language users.
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide with more than 80% living in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 different sign languages.
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 23rd September as the International Sign Language Day to raise awareness on the importance of sign language in recognising the human rights of people who are deaf.
Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts and Local Government, Premila Kumar highlighted that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promotes the use of sign language and is honored by the Fijian Government.
“It makes clear that sign languages have the same status as spoken languages and requires the state to facilitate the learning of sign language which in turn promotes the linguistic identity of the deaf community,” Minister Kumar said.
This year’s theme is “We Sign for Human Rights”
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018 makes provisions for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and related matters.
The Fijian Government, acknowledges that early access to sign language and services in sign language, including the delivery of quality education available in using sign language, are vital to the growth and development of the deaf individuals. The Government recognises the importance of preserving sign languages as part of its linguistic and cultural diversity.
Minister Kumar said that Ministry’s Policy on Special and Inclusive Education gives opportunity for children to learn together wherever possible, regardless of difficulties, disabilities or differences.
The Ministry strongly urges all stakeholders and young people to make Fiji more inclusive for the hearing impaired and other sign language users.