International Day of Sign Languages Celebration

Setembro 19, 2019

Achievements

On the 19th of September, EUD took part in a series of events organised by the United Nations Offices at Geneva to celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages and raise awareness of their importance.

With the support of the permanent missions of Bangladesh, Brazil, Finland, and France, alongside the Swiss Federation of the Deaf and the World Federation of the Deaf, several activities were held at the Palais des Nations to highlight sign languages and their value. Of particular interest were the Pop-up Sign Language Café and the guided tour of the Palais des Nations in sign language.

In the context of this day, EUD took the opportunity to follow, participate, and engage in a high level panel “Sign Language Rights for all,” moderated by Her Excellency, Maria Nazareth Farani Azevêdo, ambassador and permanent representative of Brazil with the valuable presence of Ms. Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Dmitry Rebrov, Expert at the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Joseph Murray, President of the World Association of the Deaf.

As the event also coincided with the session of the CRPD, members of the CRPD also participated in the interactive dialogue to exchange views and discuss the rights of deaf people.

This remarkable day was concluded with a theatrical performance in sign language revolving around the theme “To Sign is Human,” and acted out by deaf students.