Sign language is not a joke, a costume or a prop for entertainment. It is an essential means of communication and an important expression of language, culture and identity for the Deaf community.
This is the comment from the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, who has strongly condemned an insensitive video recently posted by students of a local tertiary institution, which appears to mock sign language and members of the Deaf community.
Kiran says making fun of sign language is deeply disrespectful and reinforces harmful attitudes and stereotypes that persons with disabilities continue to face.
The Minister says every person, regardless of ability, has the right to be treated with dignity, equality and respect.
She says incidents of this nature undermine the collective efforts of Government, organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society, educational institutions and communities to remove barriers and create a more inclusive Fiji.
Kiran stresses that inclusion goes beyond policies and programmes, and requires people to examine their attitudes, challenge discrimination and ensure that persons with disabilities are respected, represented and valued in every aspect of society.
The Ministry urges the students involved and the institution concerned to reflect on the harm caused and use this incident as an opportunity for learning, accountability and positive change.
