Kinshasa, September 30, 2024 – As the International Week of the Deaf has just ended in Kinshasa, a recommendation of capital importance was issued: the use of deaf signs as the 5th national language in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative, strongly supported by the Minister Delegate for People Living with Disabilities, Me Irène Esambo, marks a major turning point in the recognition and promotion of sign language in the country.
At the heart of this recommendation is the desire to grant sign language the official recognition it deserves as an essential means of communication for the deaf community. By establishing it as the 5th national language, the Congolese government is sending a strong message of inclusion and respect towards this too often marginalized population.
Me Irène Esambo stressed the importance of promoting and valuing the contribution of deaf people in all areas of society, particularly in the labor market. Calling for unity, solidarity and cohesion, she invited this community to seize the opportunity that presents itself with the support of the national authorities, to work together to improve the living conditions of deaf people.
The Minister Delegate also recognized the double marginalization suffered by deaf women and children, committing to paying particular attention to their specific needs. The recommendations made during this International Week of the Deaf will be presented to the Council of Ministers, thus ensuring that they are taken into account at the highest level of the State.
Furthermore, the efforts made to organize this week despite the challenges and conflicts in the East of the country were praised. The reflections and discussions that took place during these meetings will help guide government action towards real social inclusion of deaf people.
Finally, deaf experts and leaders were congratulated for their remarkable work in developing the First Dictionary of Congolese Sign Language. This significant step forward paves the way for continued collaboration with the government to ensure the implementation of the recommendations made during this International Week of the Deaf.
Through this new impetus given to the promotion of sign language and the inclusion of deaf people, the Democratic Republic of Congo is committed to linguistic diversity and the recognition of the fundamental rights of all its citizens, regardless of their hearing abilities.