Sign Language Commission needed, says Human Rights Commissioner

Human Rights Commissioner Robyn Hunt says New Zealand needs a separate body to advocate for New Zealand Sign Language, much like the current Maori Language Commission does for te reo.

Speaking at the launch of the “Deaf People and Human Rights” report on 6 May, Ms Hunt applauded the work that has been done collecting this knowledge database.

The report, about the lives of Deaf people around the world, was conducted by the Swedish National Association of the Deaf and the World Federation of the Deaf. It highlights New Zealand as the only country out of 93 surveyed to have a sign language-specific law, the New Zealand Sign Language Act (2006), and as one of only two countries to offer full interpreting services in universities.

However, Ms Hunt says there is a lack of data from Pacific Island nations in the report, indicating where more work needs to be done.

Ms Hunt says the availability of an interpreting service for sign language and the registering of NZSL as one of New Zealand’s official languages are both positive steps. “But New Zealand could do better,” she says.

Access to education for Deaf children is still of particular concern in this country, specifically because of a shortage of sign language interpreters in schools. “More work is needed to ensure the removal of barriers for Deaf and hearing impaired people to enjoy full participation in society.”

Ms Hunt believes the next step in making real progress is the establishment of a New Zealand Sign Language Commission. With similar aims and objectives as the Maori Language Commission, it would address issues still being faced by Deaf and hearing impaired people in this country.

Commissioner Robyn Hunt’s speech at the launch of the “Deaf People and Human Rights” report is available on the Human Rights Commission’s website: www.hrc.co.nz.

ENDS