Every year on 23 September, the world observes the International Day of Sign Languages with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of sign language in enabling deaf persons to fully exercise their human rights, and promoting the recognition of sign language as a fundamental means of communication and participation, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and supporting cultural diversity.
In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the anniversary of the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf as the International Day of Sign Languages, as part of the International Week of the Deaf, which is observed every September in support of deaf persons.
The National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) monitors the rights of persons with disabilities and accords these rights significant attention, recognizing persons with disabilities as among the groups most in need of protection. The Centre has maintained this commitment since it commenced its work on 1 June 2003.
In this context, the NCHR affirms that promoting the rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons to access sign language and effective communication is grounded in an integrated national and international framework. Foremost among the relevant national instruments is the Jordanian Constitution, Article 6(5) of which provides that: “The law shall protect the rights of persons with disabilities and enhance their participation and integration into the various aspects of life.”
Jordan has also ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was published in the Official Gazette in 2008. Several of its provisions require facilitating communication with deaf persons and accommodating their needs in a manner that ensures their inclusion in society.
Furthermore, the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of 2017 introduced the concept of accessible formats of information, including translation into sign language. It also provides for specific measures to facilitate communication with persons with disabilities during investigation and litigation proceedings and for the provision of qualified sign language interpreters. The Law further provides for sign language interpreters as part of the arrangements necessary to enable persons with disabilities to exercise their right to vote, as well as for training ambulance and rescue personnel in sign language and appropriate means of communicating with persons with disabilities during emergencies.
The Child Rights Law No. 17 of 2022 also recognizes the right of children with disabilities to education and inclusion in educational institutions and requires the Ministry of Education and other competent authorities to provide reasonable accommodations, accessible formats, and accessibility measures.
In addition, the Regulation of the Royal Academy for Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities was issued in 2025, along with the 2025 Instructions on the Qualification and Licensing of Certified Experts in Facilitating Communication with Persons with Disabilities during Investigation and Litigation Proceedings. The Instructions define a “certified expert” as a person licensed to facilitate communication, during investigation and litigation proceedings and in other related fields determined by the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with deaf persons, deafblind persons, persons with intellectual disabilities, persons with neurological disabilities, persons with speech disabilities, and persons with any other disability determined by the Council.
At the policy level, the Centre commends the “Hearing Without Borders” initiative implemented by the Crown Prince Foundation under the directives of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to provide cochlear implants for children across all governorates of the Kingdom. The Centre also commends the efforts of the Public Security Directorate to provide a video-based emergency service for deaf persons, thereby strengthening independent living for persons with hearing disabilities. It further commends all national efforts aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of deaf persons and ensuring access to sign language education in a manner that contributes to their inclusion in society.
In this context, the NCHR is committed to ensuring that its activities and events are accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities, thereby ensuring their equal participation and access. This includes providing sign language interpretation in a manner that strengthens the right of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons to participate, express their views, and benefit from the Centre’s activities and events, while reflecting the Centre’s commitment to the principles of non-discrimination, participation, and inclusion.
The Centre calls for the development of strategies to increase the number of sign language interpreters and ensure their appropriate geographical distribution, as well as their availability across ministries, national institutions, and other entities. Such measures would enable deaf persons to participate fully in society and exercise their rights without barriers in all areas of life.
The Centre also calls for the introduction of educational and awareness-raising programmes on sign language targeting all segments of society, with the aim of enhancing knowledge of how to communicate with deaf persons, promoting their inclusion, and enabling them to exercise their rights in a manner that ensures a dignified life and allows society to benefit from their potential, capabilities, and talents.
The Centre further calls for the establishment of a national database of certified experts across all governorates of the Kingdom, with the aim of ensuring access to sign language interpreters and certified communication-facilitation experts, enabling institutions to consult trusted specialists, and improving the quality of services provided to persons with disabilities.
The Centre also emphasizes the importance of enabling persons with disabilities to participate effectively in the digital environment while providing the necessary protection and support tools to ensure safe and accessible use. Persons with disabilities should also be meaningfully involved in the development of digital policies and plans to ensure that their actual needs are heard and their perspectives incorporated into both the design and implementation stages. Furthermore, national legislation should be reviewed to ensure the criminalization of all forms of online violence and to strengthen cooperation among relevant stakeholders in developing protection programmes.
