Executive summary
Background
This Inquiry has considered the human
rights implications of the barriers that
In 2006, after many years of lobbying by
deaf people continue to face. Its areas of
the deaf community, the New Zealand Sign
focus were closely informed by priorities
Language Act was passed, making New
identified in the Disability Convention
Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) an official
and through previous consultations
language of New Zealand. However, the
with the deaf community. The Inquiry
Human Rights Commission continues to
also recognises that NZSL is important
receive enquiries and complaints from deaf
for hearing people with communication
people about discrimination they experience
difficulties, and for family/whānau, friends
trying to access or use NZSL.
and others communicating with a NZSL
user. Therefore the Inquiry’s three priority
The Commission began this NZSL Inquiry
because of concerns about the barriers
deaf people continue to experience when
using their own language. Barriers restrict
their quality of life and full enjoyment of
fundamental human rights.
In 2008, New Zealand ratified the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (Disability Convention).
areas have been:
1 the right to education for deaf people
and other NZSL users
2 the right to freedom of expression and
opinion including the right to receive
and impart information using NZSL
interpreter services
3 the promotion and maintenance of
This Convention recognises sign languages
NZSL as an official language of New
as equal to spoken languages. It requires
Zealand.
governments to progressively strengthen
the status of sign language in different fields
New Zealand has a responsibility to
of a person’s life. These steps are necessary
promote and protect its official languages.
to respect, protect and promote the right
NZSL and te reo Māori are each vital to
to dignity, equality, freedom of expression
the expression of culture and identity.
and independence for deaf people and other
There is a strong practical need for NZSL’s
NZSL users.
official status as deaf people have limited
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