Human Rights

Advancing Human Rights Worldwide

Human Rights for all deaf people

Human rights are for everyone, no matter who you are or where you are from.

They apply to all people, regardless of gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, or language, including disability and deaf people. Unfortunately, due to societal prejudices and misunderstandings, deaf people’s rights are often ignored or denied, especially in developing countries. This is where the WFD steps in. The WFD is dedicated to promoting and advancing the human rights of deaf people, ensuring they are recognised and respected globally.

The WFD focuses on several key areas to support deaf people, working from an intersectional perspective and aligning with international legal standards. Their mission is to make sure that deaf people everywhere can enjoy their rights fully and equally.

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WFD’s work in Human Rights

High-level advocacy at the United Nations (UN)

The WFD has worked, and continues to work, in close collaboration with the United Nations (UN) through high-level advocacy efforts. We played a key role in achieving the official recognition of the International Day of Sign Languages by the UN, fostering global acknowledgement of national sign languages.

We actively prepare contributions for UN Special Procedures and provide input for the development of General Comments by UN Treaty Bodies, ensuring the rights of deaf communities are represented and upheld on the international stage.

Representation

We represent the rights of deaf people at international conferences, including the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP), Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, High-Level Political Forum, and Forum on Minority Issues.

International conferences are vital for building sustainable partnerships with UN agencies, national governments, and relevant NGOs. The networking environment raises awareness of the rights of deaf people and generates ideas for projects.

Thematic advocacy

We address global or regional crises impacting deaf people. We have published policy papers and contacted UN agencies to highlight specific issues, for example, the COVID-19 epidemic. We also raised money and created Guidelines for the Protection and Safety of Deaf People in Armed Conflict.

WFD Policy and Letters of support

At the request of our members, we provide letters of support for their national lobbying work. The advocacy work covers topics like national sign language recognition, deaf people’s right to drive, professional sign language interpreter training and funding, quality and inclusive sign language education, and more.

IDA Taskforces

As a founding member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), we participate in its advisory boards (Task Teams) on numerous topics. These task teams guarantee IDA programmes consider deaf perspectives.

Capacity Training

We develop training for deaf leaders to strengthen their ability to advocate for the rights of deaf people.

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