The theme of the 2026 International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights” is a call to action. It highlights the importance of fully recognising, protecting, and promoting the rights of deaf people everywhere, ensuring that no one is left behind.

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This year holds particular significance as it marks both the 75th anniversary of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD has been a key instrument for advocacy, driving change, shaping policies, and strengthening the recognition of national sign languages. These milestones not only celebrate decades of progress but also underscore how far the global deaf communities have come in advancing their rights.
 

As we mark these anniversaries, we are called not only to celebrate, but to act. This is a moment to advocate actively and accelerate the full realisation of deaf people’s human rights.