Hands of a trained interpreter performing sign language

The Director for Persons Living with Disabilities has said that the shortage of sign language interpreters continues to limit access to healthcare, education, justice, and information services for people with hearing impairment across South Sudan.

Emmanuel Lubari made the remarks during the launch of the South Sudan National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SSNASLI) in Juba, where stakeholders called for increased support to expand interpretation services nationwide.

He said the launch marks the beginning of a movement for inclusion, dignity, and equal communication, stressing that communication is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to everyone.

The event brought together government officials, representatives of persons with hearing impairment, civil society organizations, development partners, and media practitioners under the theme: “Breaking Communication Barriers: Promoting Inclusion Through Sign Language Interpretation in South Sudan.”

Speaking at the launch, SSNASLI Chairperson Sebit Juliano Lado said the association aims to promote professional standards in sign language interpretation, provide training and certification for interpreters, and advocate for the integration of sign language services in both public and private institutions.

He said many persons with hearing impairment continue to face difficulties in accessing education, healthcare, justice, and employment due to limited interpretation services, and appealed for support from the government, donors, NGOs, and the private sector.

Chairperson of the South Sudan National Union of the Deaf and Hearing Impairment, Peter Kachinga, welcomed the formation of the association, noting that the shortage of interpreters has widened the gap in access to information and learning opportunities.

“There is a lack of sign language interpreters. Access to information becomes a bigger gap, even for children learning in schools,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director General for Social Welfare at the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Regina Ossa Lullo, said the association would strengthen advocacy, professional development, and collaboration aimed at improving the welfare of persons with hearing impairment.

The initiative was organized by persons living with disabilities in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare as part of broader efforts to promote equal access to information and services nationwide.