The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international human rights instrument of the United Nations which protects the rights and promotes equality of persons with disabilities. The CRPD also sets a framework for Deaf people’s rights, filling an important gap in international human rights legislation. The Convention mentions sign language seven times in five different articles.

These articles are:

  • Article 2 – Definition
  • Article 9 – Accessibility
  • Article 21 – Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information
  • Article 24 – Education
  • Article 30 – Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport

For more information on CRPD, visit: