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{
    "id": 1120572,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1120572/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 21,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve)",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order 47 (1) to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern; namely, the International Day of Sign Languages. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the world marks the International Day of Sign Languages on Thursday, 23rd September, 2021 to raise awareness on the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. This year’s theme is: “We Sign for Human Rights.” The day is celebrated in conjunction with the International Week of the Deaf (WFD). Mr. Speaker, Sir, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, on 19th December, 2017, declared that every 23rd September will be marked as the Sign Language Day. 23rd September is in itself a memorable date, as it marks the day the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), which was established in 1951. The WDF estimates that there are 72 million deaf people in the world. Out of this population, 80 per cent live in developing countries. This day is, therefore, important as it presents the chance to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. The first International Day of Sign Languages was marked in 2018. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this year’s theme highlights how each of us; that is, both the deaf and hearing people around the world, can work together, hand in hand, to promote the recognition of the right to use sign languages in all areas of life. This is, indeed, the essence of inclusion. In a truly inclusive society, sign language ought to be a language for everyone; that is, both the hearing and deaf population, since the deaf do not live in a society of their own. It is important for everyone to know that sign language is a means of communication and conveys messages, just like verbal languages do. Unlike verbal languages, sign language uses manual codes and symbols to convey messages. Contrary to popular belief, sign languages are not the"
}