International Day of Sign Languages 2025
The International Day of Sign Languages, observed annually on September 23, highlights the importance of preserving and promoting the linguistic identity and cultural heritage of deaf communities worldwide. The 2025 celebration emphasizes the unity that sign languages foster, with deaf communities, governments, and civil society organizations collaborating to promote national sign languages as vital parts of diverse linguistic landscapes. This day also serves as a reminder of the crucial role sign languages play in communication, inclusivity, and safeguarding cultural richness.
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International Day of Sign Languages Theme 2025
The theme for the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) 2025, observed on September 23, is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.” It emphasizes that the full enjoyment of human rights by Deaf people depends on their ability to use and access sign language. The theme highlights the fundamental role of sign language in enabling equality, inclusion, and active participation in society, and aligns with the United Nations’ principles, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Sign language rights are fundamental human rights, allowing Deaf individuals to exercise all other rights equally.
- The theme advocates for equality and inclusion, ensuring Deaf people have access to education, healthcare, employment, and social participation.
- It aligns with United Nations frameworks, promoting the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and global equality goals.
Sign Language Unites Us
Sign languages are essential for connecting Deaf communities worldwide, enabling communication, cultural expression, and social inclusion. Over 70 million Deaf people, mostly in developing countries, use more than 300 national sign languages. An international sign language also exists for global interactions. Recognized under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, sign languages are equal to spoken languages, emphasizing the need to protect the linguistic rights and identity of the Deaf community.
| Aspect | Details |
| Global Deaf Population | Over 70 million Deaf individuals worldwide, with more than 80% in developing countries. |
| Number of Sign Languages | More than 300 distinct national sign languages are used globally. |
| International Sign Language | Used in international gatherings and informal settings; simpler than natural sign languages with a limited vocabulary. |
| Nature of Sign Languages | Complete, natural languages with unique grammatical structures distinct from spoken languages. |
| UN Recognition | The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities acknowledges sign languages as equal in status to spoken languages. |
| State Responsibilities | Countries must facilitate learning of sign languages and promote the linguistic identity and inclusion of Deaf communities. |
History of International Day of Sign Languages
The proposal for the International Day of Sign Languages originated from the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). It is an organization that represents the human rights of approximately 70 million deaf individuals worldwide. The resolution A/RES/72/161 was introduced by the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations. It gained the support of 97 United Nations Member States. It was adopted by consensus on December 19, 2017.
- The selection of September 23rd as the date for this observance commemorates the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951.
- This day marks the establishment of an advocacy organization dedicated to preserving sign languages and Deaf culture, which are fundamental prerequisites for the realization of the human rights of deaf individuals.
- The International Day of Sign Languages was first celebrated in 2018 as part of the broader International Week of the Deaf.
- The International Week of the Deaf originated in September 1958.
- It has since evolved into a global movement that promotes unity among deaf communities.
- It advocates for awareness of the challenges faced by deaf individuals in their daily lives.
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Significance of International Day of Sign Languages
The United Nations General Assembly has officially designated September 23rd as the International Day of Sign Languages. This commemorative day aims at increasing awareness of the crucial role sign language plays in ensuring the full realization of the human rights of individuals who are deaf.
Conclusion of Sign Language Day 2025
On September 23, 2025, the International Day of Sign Languages highlights the vital role of sign languages in promoting communication, inclusivity, and cultural identity for Deaf communities worldwide. The day emphasizes early access to sign language, the preservation of linguistic diversity, and the active involvement of Deaf individuals in decisions affecting them reflecting the principle of “nothing about us without us.” By advocating for these rights, we foster a more accessible, understanding, and equitable global society.
FAQs
Ans. It is observed annually on September 23 to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages and the rights of Deaf communities.
Ans. The theme for International Day of Sign Languages 2025 is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,” emphasizing that full human rights for Deaf individuals depend on their ability to use and access sign languages.
Ans. The day highlights the crucial role of sign languages in communication, inclusion, and preserving the cultural and linguistic identity of Deaf communities worldwide.
Ans. The United Nations and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognize sign languages and advocate for their equal status alongside spoken languages.
Ans. It is marked through educational campaigns, advocacy events, social media initiatives, workshops, and activities that promote awareness, inclusion, and the linguistic rights of Deaf individuals.
Ans. There are over 300 distinct national sign languages, used by more than 70 million Deaf individuals globally.
Ans. International Sign is a simplified form of sign language used in global gatherings, informal interactions, and travel, enabling basic communication across different national sign languages.
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