In order to draw attention to the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of persons with disabilities, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 23 September as "International Day of Sign Languages" on 19 December 2017.

In its resolution no. A/RES/72/161, the UN General Assembly pointed out that early access to sign language and services offered in sign language, including quality education, is critical to the development of persons with hearing impairment and achieving international development goals. In addition, it has emphasized adopting the principle of "nothing about us without us" concerning the works done with groups of persons with hearing impairment. (1)

Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (HREIT), whose main mission is to protect the persons' right to equal treatment on the basis of human dignity and prevention of discrimination in exercising the legally acknowledged rights and freedoms, celebrates 23 September International Day of Sign Languages with the hopes of a world where the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities are under effective protection and they are able to participate in life fully under equal conditions as other individuals.

Respectfully announced to the public.