International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) - 23 September 2024

Tags: Important Days

International Sign Language Day (IDSL) is designated by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated on 23 September yearly.

An Overview of the News

• The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the important role of sign language in maintaining the human rights of deaf persons.

• It provides an opportunity to promote and preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Deaf community.

• IDSL 2024 is part of the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), celebrated from 23 to 29 September 2024.

The theme of IDSL 2024:

• The theme for IDSL 2024 is “Sign up for Sign Language Rights.”

Historical Background

• On 19 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/72/161, which proclaimed 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages.

• International Sign Language Day was established in 2018 by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an organization dedicated to advocating for the human rights of the approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide.

• The WFD consists of 135 national member federations, and they initiated the concept of this special day.

• The day was introduced as a part of a broader celebration known as the International Week of the Deaf.

IDSL 2024 in India

• On 23 September 2024, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), organized a celebratory event at Bhim Hall, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (AIC), Janpath, New Delhi.