The WFD was one of the organisations issuing a statement at the Opening of the 16th session of the CRPD Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, on 15 August 2016.

In this statement, delivered by the WFD Human Rights Officer Kasper Bergmann, the WFD pointed out again the need for deaf children to be educated in sign language. The WFD said that research evidence shows deaf children learn best in bilingual environments with other deaf learners – where the primary language of instruction is sign language.

The CRPD Committee is close to finalising its General Comment on Article 24 (Education), a document highly relevant and widely read in the future when States interpret their obligations under that particular article. The WFD has also provided comments and suggestions to be included in the Draft General Comment and looks forward to its launch, expected to take place on 26 August 2016.

The written statement is available via this link: click here