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September 26 -Day of the Deaf
There are approximately 70 million deaf people in the world. According to one estimate, more than 80% of deaf people are living in developing countries. Dead people face many problems in their lives. Their problems are further increased when no valid support or security comes from governments or society. It is hard to explain the troubles faced by deaf people on a regular basis. The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) which is recognized by the United Nations as their spokes-organization is celebrating the International Week of the Deaf from 20 to 26 September 2010. International Day of the Deaf will be held on September 26. The celebrations are conducted throughout the world by individuals and national associations of the Deaf.
WFD was established in Rome, Italy in 1951. It is an international, non-governmental central organization of national associations of deaf people. More than 130 countries are members of this association. WFD is the foremost authority in regards to rights of deaf people. WFD has always encouraged its members to focus on issues faced by deaf population in day to day lives. This year, the focus is on Deaf Education. It is a very contentious issue in the world because most of the countries do not have any provision or arrangement for education of deaf people. It is a total injustice to deaf people who might be as able and capable to do as well as normal people but the discrimination factor is depriving them of better education and career opportunities.
WFD has always emphasized upon “equality, human rights and respect for all people, regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual preference, age and all other differences”. WFD works in close collaboration with the UN and its various agencies for the benefit of deaf people in accordance with the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other general acts and recommendations of the UN and its specialized agencies.
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