Hargeisa, Somaliland – Hargeisa joined the world on September 23 in marking the International Day of Sign Languages, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of sign language in protecting and advancing the rights of deaf people.
In Somaliland’s capital, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and its partners emphasized the urgent need to expand access to education, social services, and equal opportunities for deaf children. The agencies highlighted that sign language is not only a tool for communication but also a lifeline to inclusion, dignity, and participation in society.
UNICEF’s team in Hargeisa underscored the fact that thousands of children with hearing impairments across Somalia and Somaliland face daily exclusion from education systems and community life. Many schools lack trained teachers and adapted learning resources, leaving deaf children with limited prospects for development.
“Every child deserves the chance to learn, thrive, and contribute, regardless of their ability,” UNICEF said in a statement, calling for stronger investment in inclusive education policies.
Partners also used the occasion to celebrate the resilience of deaf communities, pointing to grassroots initiatives where sign language clubs and advocacy groups are building awareness and reducing stigma.
Globally, the International Day of Sign Languages is observed as part of the International Week of the Deaf, reminding governments and societies that linguistic diversity must include sign languages. In Somaliland, the day reinforced a growing commitment to ensure that no child is left behind because of disability or communication barriers.