On September 23, sign languages will take centre stage worldwide. The International Day of Sign Languages will be marked with a call for stronger rights. The focus will be on access, inclusion and equality.
The 2026 theme is “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.” The United Nations says action is needed to make those rights real in daily life.
A Day Built on Rights
The day is observed every year on September 23. It was created to raise awareness of sign language. It also highlights the rights of deaf people.
The date was chosen to mark the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf. The organisation was established on September 23, 1951.
The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution creating the day in December 2017.
The first International Day of Sign Languages was then observed in 2018. It has since become part of a wider global movement.
More Than 70 Million Deaf People
More than 70 million deaf people live around the world. The World Federation of the Deaf says more than 80 per cent live in developing countries. More than 300 sign languages are used worldwide.
Sign languages are natural languages. They are not simply spoken languages translated into hand signs. Each has its own structure and linguistic features.
An international form of signing is also used in some global settings. It is mainly used for communication between people from different sign language communities.
Language Is a Human Right
Access to sign language is closely linked to human rights.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises and promotes sign languages. It also supports their equal status alongside spoken languages.
Early access is especially important.
The UN says access to sign language services and quality education can support the development of deaf children. It also stresses the need to involve deaf people in decisions affecting their lives.
A Landmark Year
The 2026 observance carries added significance. This year marks 75 years since the World Federation of the Deaf was founded. The organisation has spent decades advocating for deaf people’s rights worldwide.
It also marks 20 years since the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The two anniversaries are being used to highlight progress. They are also being used to call for further action on sign language rights.
A Global Week of Action
International Day of Sign Languages forms part of International Week of Deaf People.
The week runs from September 21 to 27 in 2026. Events are being held around the world under the same human rights theme.
The World Federation of the Deaf will also mark its anniversary in Rome. A two-day conference is scheduled for September 24 and 25. It will bring together deaf leaders, experts and community members.
From Awareness to Action
The observance is about more than a single day. It places language rights at the centre of inclusion. It also calls for greater access to education, information and public life.
For millions of deaf people, sign language is essential to communication.
The message being carried into 2026 is direct. Deaf people’s rights cannot be fully protected without sign language rights.
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