Today, the World Federation of the Deaf is at the Italian Parliament in Rome.
The event, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” is hosted by our Ordinary member, the Italian National Association of Deaf People, ENS, as part of the opening of the WFD’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
The event brings together representatives from the Italian and European institutions, including Antonella Sberna, Vice-President of the European Parliament; Maria Teresa Bellucci, Deputy Minister for Labour and Social Policies; Francesco Paolo Sisto, Deputy Minister of Justice; Sandra Savino, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance; Antonio Maria Caponetto, Head of Cabinet of the Minister for Disability; and Luigi Diodati from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Dr Joseph J. Murray, WFD President, addressed the event on the importance of sign language rights as human rights.
This event is an opportunity to remind political and institutional leaders of the importance of sign language rights, and of the continued recognition and implementation of Italian Sign Language, LIS, in Italy.
It is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of ensuring that deaf people can fully participate in society, education, employment, justice, public life, and democratic processes.
As we celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages and the 75th anniversary of the World Federation of the Deaf today, we are reminded that sign language rights are human rights.
This anniversary is not only a moment to celebrate 75 years of Deaf advocacy and leadership. It is also an opportunity to look ahead and continue working for a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.
