Liberia marks Deaf Awareness Week with push for inclusive democracy

Published: September 29, 2025

MONROVIA — Liberia joined the global observance of the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages over the weekend, with leaders and advocates underscoring that a truly representative democracy must include the voices and the signs of people with disabilities.

The ceremony, held at the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) headquarters in Congo Town under the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language,” brought together the disability community, advocacy groups, and senior government officials, including House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.

‘Democracy should be inclusive’

Delivering the keynote address, Speaker Koon said his commitment to disability rights is rooted in the principle of balanced democracy.

“Democracy should not only be spoken but signed and inclusive,” Koon told the audience. “People with disabilities are not asking for favors; they are asking for fairness.”

He urged the Liberian Senate and public institutions to integrate the needs of persons with disabilities into national policy, noting that Liberia’s obligations under the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities require full respect for those rights.

Legislative call to action

NCD Executive Director Samuel Dean Sr. praised Speaker Koon for his consistent advocacy and called on lawmakers to earmark resources for specialized schools, particularly for visually impaired students.

“We need more than speeches; we need budget lines that build schools and open opportunities for every Liberian with a disability,” Dean said.

Global observance, local impact

Observed annually, the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages aim to raise awareness about the importance of sign language in protecting the human rights of the deaf community worldwide.

Saturday’s event brought together people with hearing and visual impairments, civil-society advocates, and legislators — highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain in expanding access to education, employment, and political participation for Liberians with disabilities.

Organizers said the celebration served as a reminder that inclusive policies and accessible communication are central to deepening democracy in Liberia.