LocationsThe Right to Accessible Communication and Information: Promoting Sign Language in Kyrgyzstan
December 5, 2024
Advancing Disability Inclusion through Sign Language
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified by Kyrgyzstan in 2019, underscores the obligation of member states to recognize and promote the use of sign language. This commitment ensures that sign language users, including Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, can fully exercise their rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and access to information.
Globally, more than 70 million Deaf individuals use over 300 distinct sign languages, with more than 80% living in developing countries, according to the World Federation of the Deaf. In Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Sign Language (RSL) is widely used, serving not only Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons but also their families, communities, and individuals with speech impairments or communication challenges.
Sign language is a fully-fledged language with its own linguistics, syntax, morphology, and grammar. It encompasses sign speech, fingerspelling, and non-manual elements like facial expressions and body movements. In some countries, sign languages enjoy official status, guaranteeing interpretation services across public and private sectors.
Strategies for the supporting Disability Inclusion and Deaf community
As part of its broader efforts to implement the CRPD and the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, UNDP in Kyrgyzstan supports the implementation of rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people through policy development for sign language interpretation services, training sign language interpreters, raising awareness and building inclusive communication, and expanding inclusive employment opportunities. These efforts align with Kyrgyzstan's national program, "Accessible Country," and include:
Policy development in sign language interpretation services
In 2018, under the leadership of MP Dastan Bekeshev, Kyrgyzstan amended the Law on the Rights and Guarantees of Persons with Disabilities to establish legal provisions for sign language interpreters. The amendments mandate interpretation services in various areas, including education, healthcare, legal proceedings, and public services. UNDP supports the Ministry of Labour, Social Welfare, and Migration in developing service standards, procedures, and payment mechanisms to ensure these provisions are implemented effectively.
Training of sign language interpreters
Since 2016, UNDP has organized specialized courses for sign language interpreters, focusing on legal terminology. Graduates are included in a database of interpreters equipped to assist in law enforcement, judicial processes, and other critical areas, ensuring Deaf individuals’ access to justice and services.
Raising Awareness and Building Inclusive Communication
UNDP actively works to dispel myths surrounding sign language and enhance its visibility. For instance, the Glossary of Key Disability-Inclusive Terms (2023) includes comprehensive definitions of sign language, promoting understanding and respect.
UNDP also ensures that Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons are included in public events, providing sign language interpretation as standard practice. During the 2024 UN International Day celebration, performances in sign language captivated audiences, highlighting its artistic and cultural significance.
Additionally, following UNDP's accessibility assessment, the National History Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic now offers guided tours in sign language, a milestone in inclusive tourism.
In December 2024, in partnership with KOS and KOG, within the framework of the UNPRPD project “Promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Kyrgyzstan”, implemented jointly with UNFPA and UNICEF under the overall leadership of the UN Country Office in Kyrgyzstan, for the first time in the country, a dactyl alphabet was printed and handed over to public organizations representing the interests of Deaf and hard of hearing people, and educational institutions.
Visibility of sign language helps promote values based on the recognition of diversity, equality, justice, non-discrimination, and inclusion and reflects UNDP's commitment to advancing the right of Deaf and hard of hearing people to an accessible environment, including communication and information.
Promoting Employment Opportunities for Deaf Individuals
UNDP Kyrgyzstan’s Guidelines on Disability-Inclusive Employment provide actionable recommendations for hiring individuals with hearing disabilities. In partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Social Welfare, and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic have presented The Guidelines on Disabilities-Inclusive Employment. These Guidelines are a comprehensive resource that includes recommendations on attracting, recruiting, and hiring, retaining jobs, ensuring professional growth and continuous development of employees with disabilities, creating Universal Design and an accessible environment, and providing persons with disabilities with reasonable accommodations in the workplace, as well as developing an inclusive organizational culture.
Success stories have been showcased through video campaigns, fostering greater awareness and encouraging employers to embrace inclusive practices.
Examples include:
Cultural and Community Engagement
Recognizing sign language as a cornerstone of Deaf culture, UNDP has supported initiatives to support rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. In December 2024, in partnership with organizations like KOS and KOG, UNDP launched the first-ever printed dactyl alphabet in Kyrgyzstan, distributed to schools and advocacy groups.
The artistic potential of sign language was also celebrated through performances such as Shire-Sherine, blending music and sign language to convey powerful narratives.
By recognizing sign language as a fundamental right and a symbol of cultural identity, UNDP Kyrgyzstan with national partners and stakeholders continues to build a more inclusive society. These efforts reflect UNDP’s unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, ensuring they can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life.
For more insights into UNDP’s initiatives, watch:
Related
content
content
