News Index

  • Statement on the discrimination by the United Nations concerning accessibility to information and communication

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    Statement on the discrimination by the United Nations concerning accessibility to information and communication

    2026-03-04

    The statement released by the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) in February 2026 revealed that the UN notified the CRPD Committee in January 2026 that they could not provide mandated accessibility services, such as International Sign interpretation and captioning, due to the financial situation of the UN. It was the abrupt notification right before the 34th session opening on March 9 through March 27 in Geneva.

    The CRPD Committee is a body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention by the States Parties. With an aim to implement an inclusive society, the Committee has advocated for the human rights of all persons with disabilities, and has provided recommendations to support the implementation of the provisions enshrined in the Convention.

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  • Activity Report of the UN CRPD (August 2025)

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    supported by 日本財団

    The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held in Geneva, Switzerland from August 11 to August 26, 2025. Attorney Tamon Hiroshi, elected from Japan, attended this meeting as a member of the committee. We, Japanese Federation of the Deaf, are working together with Mr. TAMON to support accessibility for Committee Members. Mr. TAMON reports as follows:

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  • Activity Report of the UN CRPD

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    supported by 日本財団The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held in Geneva, Switzerland from March 3rd to March 21st, 2025. Attorney Tamon Hiroshi, elected from Japan, attended this meeting as a member of the committee. We, Japanese Federation of the Deaf, are working together with Mr. TAMON to support accessibility for Committee Members. Mr. Tamon reports as follows:

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  • Remarks on the Enactment of the Act on Promotion of Measures Concerning Sign Language

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    Interpreter (International Sign version)
    ISHIBASHI Daigo, President, Japanese Federation of the Deaf
    (Japanese Sign Language version)

    In Japan, sign language was once called te-mane, literally translated as “hand imitation.” This term originated from saru-mane, or “monkey imitation,” a derogatory phrase used to describe an awkward imitation. Sign language was not considered a proper language. It was looked down upon as an inferior form of communication. Our ancestors could not use sign language publicly. They would sign secretly, only in private. Deaf schools, which they attended, forbade students from using signs. If spotted, teachers would hit them as punishment. That used to be the norm.

    Now, a new law, the “Act on Promotion of Measures Concerning Sign Language”, has been unanimously approved and enacted without a single opposition. As we witnessed this historic moment, we were overwhelmed with emotion, thinking of our predecessors. They have worked hard to protect sign language and to have it recognized as a language. They have dedicated themselves to raising awareness and promoting their language.

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  • Report on “Co-Interpreting Training of Skills Improvement training workshop (Face-to-face) for International Sign interpreters and Japanese Sign Language interpreters for Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics”

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    In preparation for Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, Japanese Federation of the Deaf held an International Sign interpretation training workshop from June 28th (Sat) to 30th (Mon) with International Sign interpreters(deaf) and Japanese Sign Language interpreters(hearing) who are working with together. The lecturers were WASLI President Dr. Christopher Stone(UK), WASLI former President Dr. Debra Russel(Canada), WASLI Director Mr. Arunas Brazinskas (Lithuania) , and WASLI former Director Mr. Nigel Howard (Canada).

    This training workshop was held as a continuation from last year, with the aim of improving the skills of International Sign interpreters (deaf) and Japanese Sign Language interpreters (hearing) in co-interpretation at TOKYO Deaflympics in November 2025.

    There was a lot to learn during this workshop, which included interpreting training for each sport, the demand control schema, and ethics as an interpreter. On the third day, there were some moments where the participants learned about the rigors of interpreting, but there were also some laughs, and the content was consistently serious, and the participants were able to share the anxiety and joy of interpreting during the Games.

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