NUDY PRESS STATEMENT: In Observance of International Week of Deaf People 2026 Theme: "Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights"

NUDY PRESS STATEMENT In Observance of International Week of Deaf People 2026 Theme: "Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights" The National Union of Disabled Youth (NUDY) joins GADHOH, the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD) and over 70 million Deaf people worldwide in commemorating the International Week of Deaf People 2026, culminating in the International Day of Sign Languages observed on 23rd September. This year's theme, "Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights," is powerful and timely. It comes as we mark 20 years of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It reminds us that Sign Language Rights are Human Rights. Our Message is Clear: To declare Deaf people's human rights is to affirm that: - Access to Gambian Sign Language is a right, not a privilege; - Access to inclusive and quality education in sign language for Deaf children and youth is a right; - Access to information, health care, justice and employment without communication barriers is a right; - And meaningful participation of Deaf people in decisions that affect their lives is a right. NUDY recognizes that Deaf youth in The Gambia continue to face barriers - lack of interpreters in schools, hospitals and courts, lack of sign language on national television, and limited employment and skills opportunities. Deaf people are not disabled by their ears, but by the barriers society creates. As an organization of youth with disabilities, we are concerned that many Deaf young people, especially Deaf girls and young women, are left behind in education and employment. This must change. NUDY therefore calls for: 1. Full recognition and promotion of Gambian Sign Language as a language of instruction and public service. 2. Provision of qualified Gambian Sign Language interpreters in all public institutions, especially education, health, justice and emergency services. 3. Inclusive, quality education for Deaf children and youth from early childhood to tertiary level, with trained teachers. 4. Economic empowerment and employment for Deaf youth and women through skills training, entrepreneurship and affirmative action. We commend the Government of The Gambia for the Persons with Disabilities Act 2021 and the establishment of the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities under Section 18. We call for sustained funding of this Fund to support OPDs like GADHOH in promoting sign language and inclusion. We commend GADHOH under the leadership of Mr. Dodou Loum, GFD, MoBSE, NHRC, St. John's School for the Deaf and all partners for organizing a successful commemoration at GADHOH Conference Hall in Kanifing, marked by a march-past from Iceman Junction. NUDY reaffirms its commitment to the principles of Leave No One Behind" and "Nothing About Us Without Us. We will continue to work with GADHOH, GFD and NACPWD to ensure the voices of Deaf youth are heard at all levels. We celebrate Deaf culture, Deaf identity, Deaf language and Deaf leadership. Happy International Week of Deaf People 2026! Long Live GADHOH! Long Live GFD! Long Live NUDY! Long Live The Gambia! Signed: Executive Committee, National Union of Disabled Youth (NUDY) The Gambia

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