MONITORING (SW) – On occasion of International Sign Languages Day, the United Nations has reported that there are over 70 million deaf individuals worldwide, with 80% residing in developing countries.
In a statement released on Monday, the UN highlighted that these individuals use more than 300 different sign languages to communicate with one another.
The UN emphasized the importance of early access to sign language education and the provision of quality services as vital for the advancement of deaf individuals.
The report also pointed out that International Sign Languages Day serves as an opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of the deaf community.
International Sign Languages Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2018, to promote the protection of sign languages and raise awareness about their significance.
No specific statistics has been available regarding the number of deaf people who use sign languages for communication, in Afghanistan.
