By promoting human rights and access to sign language, the WFD is improving the lives of millions of deaf people who face inequality everyday. We collaborate with deaf leaders and policymakers to implement human rights mechanisms such as the CRPD and 2030 Agenda. The WFD also takes direct action by providing human rights training and representing deaf people’s interests on a global scale.
What We Do
Advancing human rights and sign languages worldwide.
Guided by our Action Plan and the CRPD, the WFD uses a variety of approaches to further the equality of deaf people throughout the world.
Empowering Our Members
In over 130 countries, deaf people are engaging in local advocacy and having a global impact.
International Advocacy
We represent deaf people’s interests on a global scale, advocating for their right to full participation in all aspects of life.
Ensuring Accessibility
A world that is more conscious of deaf persons needs and rights is a world where deaf people are provided the access they need to contribute as equals.
Why We Do It
With equal rights and opportunities, deaf people succeed.
We’re dedicated to our work because we believe everyone is entitled to their human rights, but most of the time, deaf people are not. We value deaf people, sign languages, and the diversity they bring to our world. And above all, the WFD recognises that incredible potential to contribute to society when given bilingual education and sign language rights.
Human Rights
Human rights are universal, indivisible and interconnected. They belong to all people, regardless of gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status such as disability or deafness.
Unfortunately, due to societal prejudices and incorrect assumptions, deaf people’s rights are often overlooked or denied – especially in developing countries. The WFD works towards promoting and advancing human rights of deaf people.
CRPD
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is at the core of our work. It provides us with a global framework and mandate for the achievement of human rights for the deaf people.
We use the CRPD in our advocacy and training, and encourage our members to as well.
2030 Agenda
The 2030 Agenda is a set of goals and actions that will guide the global community in overcoming poverty and achieving sustainable development.
The WFD promotes and works towards the aims of the 2030 Agenda by insisting upon deaf people’s involvement in it. We will not address and overcome poverty and marginalisation if we do not include the world’s poorest in our plans and make sure that ‘no one is left behind’ in development.