22/09/2026
Statement by the President of the Palestinian Union of the Deaf
On the Occasion of the International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages – 2026
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Dear brothers and sisters,
Members of the Deaf community in Palestine,
Distinguished guests,
Greetings,
The world is celebrating the International Week of Deaf People from 21 to 27 September 2026. 23 September 2026 marks the International Day of Sign Languages, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 to raise awareness of the importance of sign languages and the rights of Deaf people.
This year, the celebration is held under the theme:
“Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”
This theme emphasizes that the rights of Deaf people are an integral part of human rights, and that access to sign language, education, services, information, and participation in society are fundamental rights.
The year 2026 is particularly significant as it marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951, as well as 20 years since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Palestinian Sign Language is an essential part of the identity and culture of the Deaf community in Palestine. It is a fundamental means of communication, education, access to information, and participation in public life. Therefore, protecting and developing Palestinian Sign Language and ensuring its use in educational, health, social, and public institutions must be an integral part of national policies concerning the rights of Deaf people.
In Palestine, we affirm that the Deaf community continues to face challenges in education, employment, vocational training, and access to services and information. These challenges become even greater during emergencies and crises. This requires ensuring that Deaf people have access to humanitarian, health, and emergency information through accessible communication methods and sign language.
Therefore, the Palestinian Union of the Deaf renews its call for the promotion and protection of the rights of Deaf people, particularly:
- Ensuring the right of Deaf people to quality and inclusive education in sign language.
- Recognizing and developing Palestinian Sign Language and promoting its use across different sectors.
- Providing qualified sign language interpreters in public institutions and services.
- Expanding opportunities for vocational training and employment for Deaf people.
- Ensuring access to information, media, healthcare, and social services.
- Ensuring the meaningful participation of Deaf people and their organizations in developing policies and decisions that affect them, in line with the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
- Paying particular attention to the rights of Deaf women and children and ensuring their protection and access to services in all circumstances.
On this occasion, we express our sincere appreciation to the World Federation of the Deaf for its continued efforts to promote and defend the rights of Deaf people worldwide and for its commitment to linguistic and human rights.
We also call upon governmental, civil society, and international institutions to continue working together to build a more inclusive society in which sign language is a natural and recognized part of public life, and where Deaf people enjoy their full rights on an equal basis.
Our celebration of 23 September 2026 – the International Day of Sign Languages is not merely a symbolic occasion. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to the human rights of Deaf people and to reaffirm that:
The rights of Deaf people are human rights.
Sign language is a right.
Access to sign language is a right.
The participation of Deaf people in decision-making is a right.
Wishing the Deaf community in Palestine and around the world a meaningful International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages.
May sign language continue to have its rightful place in education, employment, public services, and all aspects of life.
Mohammad Mahmoud Nazzal
President of the Palestinian Union of the Deaf
