More than 70 million deaf people live around the world, using more than 300 different sign languages to communicate. The International Day of Sign Languages, observed every year on September 23, is drawing attention to the importance of protecting sign languages and ensuring that deaf people can fully exercise their human rights.

The United Nations has designated September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages to raise awareness of the vital role sign languages play in ensuring the full realization of the rights of deaf people. The observance was first held in 2018 following a UN General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2017.

A Global Community With Diverse Languages

Sign language is not a single universal language. Deaf communities around the world use hundreds of different natural sign languages, each with its own vocabulary and linguistic structure.

According to the United Nations, more than 70 million deaf people worldwide collectively use over 300 different sign languages. More than 80 percent of the world’s deaf population lives in developing countries.

The UN describes sign languages as fully developed natural languages that are structurally different from spoken languages. An international sign system is also used in some international meetings and informal communication between people from different countries, but it is distinct from individual national sign languages.

2026 Theme Focuses on Human Rights

The theme for the 2026 International Day of Sign Languages is “Declaring deaf people’s human rights.”

The United Nations says this year’s observance calls for action to make the human rights of deaf people a reality across all areas of life. It particularly emphasizes recognition, protection and promotion of these rights, including access through national sign languages.

Access to language can have a direct impact on education, healthcare, employment, public services and participation in society. When communication is inaccessible, deaf people can face additional barriers to obtaining information and exercising their rights.

Sign Language and Education

Early access to sign language is especially important for children who are deaf. The UN resolution establishing the International Day of Sign Languages recognizes early access to sign language and quality education in sign language as important for the development of deaf individuals.

Inclusive education therefore involves more than simply placing deaf students in educational institutions. Effective participation can also depend on communication access, qualified educators, interpretation and learning materials that are available in appropriate languages.

Sign Languages Are Part of Cultural Diversity

Sign languages are also closely connected to the cultural identity of Deaf communities.

The United Nations has emphasized the importance of preserving sign languages as part of linguistic and cultural diversity. Recognizing these languages can help strengthen the participation and visibility of deaf communities in wider society.

The UN also highlights the principle of “nothing about us without us” when working with Deaf communities. This emphasizes the importance of involving deaf people in decisions and policies that directly affect their lives.

Two Important Milestones in 2026

The 2026 observance has additional significance because it coincides with two major milestones.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the World Federation of the Deaf, established in 1951. It also marks 20 years since the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an international framework that has helped advance disability rights and recognition of sign languages.

The International Day of Sign Languages itself was established after an initiative from the World Federation of the Deaf. The relevant UN resolution was sponsored by Antigua and Barbuda and co-sponsored by 97 UN Member States before being adopted by consensus on December 19, 2017.

Beyond One Day of Awareness

The observance is part of the broader International Week of Deaf People, which runs from September 21 to 27 in 2026.

The United Nations says the purpose of the annual observance is not simply to celebrate sign languages but also to encourage action that removes barriers affecting deaf people.

From classrooms and hospitals to workplaces and public institutions, access to communication can determine whether people are able to participate equally in society.

The continuing recognition of national sign languages therefore represents an important part of efforts toward accessibility, inclusion and equal participation.

As the world observes the International Day of Sign Languages, the message is clear: linguistic accessibility is closely connected to human rights, and ensuring meaningful access to sign language can help create greater opportunities for millions of deaf people worldwide.