The Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) is leading a campaign to advocate for the official recognition of sign language as a legal language in Rwanda, a key issue highlighted during a press conference held today in Kigali City.
The event coincided with the International Week of the Deaf, which aims to promote the rights and inclusion of deaf individuals worldwide. This year’s theme, “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights,” emphasizes the need for greater awareness and action to support the deaf community in Rwanda.
Augustin Munyangeyo, Chairperson of RNUD, explained the ongoing efforts to have sign language legally recognized in Rwanda.
From 2006 to 2008, RNUD produced its first Rwandan Sign Language dictionary containing 1,000 words. However, the government did not approve it, stating that the vocabulary was insufficient.
“We then worked on a second version with 3,000 words, which is now ready,” Munyangeyo shared.
He stressed the need for this version to be officially accepted by the government so that sign language can be formally recognized and used in various aspects of Rwandan society.
“As long as the government does not regulate sign language, it remains difficult for deaf people to communicate with others. By accepting it as a legal language, many services could become more accessible, and the language barrier would be reduced,” he said.
Beyond the recognition of sign language, deaf Rwandans face multiple barriers that limit their access to essential services.
Bizimana Jean Damascene, an advisor at RNUD, highlighted the significant obstacles that deaf people encounter in areas such as employment, healthcare, and even obtaining a driver’s license.
“It is still hard for deaf people to access services because of communication barriers,” Bizimana stated.
He emphasized that recognizing sign language as a legal language would improve communication and enable all Rwandans to interact more easily without always requiring interpreters.
Umuhoza Djanathi, a worker at RNUD raised a critical issue concerning the vulnerability of deaf girls and women to sexual violence.
She pointed out that the lack of sign language skills among law enforcement and justice personnel further complicates their pursuit of justice.
“When deaf girls are raped, they face communication barriers when seeking justice because those meant to help them don’t know sign language,” Umuhoza said.
Her remarks underscore the urgent need for sign language to be included in the legal framework, ensuring that the deaf community can access protection and justice.
Throughout the International Week of the Deaf, RNUD has planned a series of advocacy activities to create awareness of this year’s theme. One of the key initiatives includes meeting with local leaders in Rubavu District to assess the living conditions and activities of deaf people in rural areas.
This week of advocacy is focused on building a more inclusive society where deaf individuals can fully participate without the barriers imposed by a lack of accessible communication.
The Role of RNUD in Deaf Advocacy
Founded in 1989, RNUD has been a dedicated advocate for the rights of deaf people in Rwanda. Officially registered as a national non-governmental organization in 2013, RNUD works to eliminate the social, economic, and cultural barriers that hinder the full integration of deaf individuals.
Despite the progress made, deaf Rwandans continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment opportunities.
RNUD’s advocacy aims to ensure that deaf people enjoy the same human rights as other Rwandans, as set out in national and international law.
The organization continues to push for equal opportunities and the full recognition of sign language, which will pave the way for a more inclusive society where no one is left behind.
As the International Week of the Deaf progresses, RNUD hopes to create greater awareness among policymakers and the public about the importance of sign language and the urgent need for its recognition as a legal language in Rwanda.
PHOTOS: Byukusenge Jean Clement