This week marks the International Week of the Deaf, with the 2025 theme declaring a powerful truth: “No Human Rights Without Language Rights.”At its heart, the message reminds us that language is inseparable from human dignity. For Deaf people, sign language is far more than a tool for communication; it is a lifeline, a cultural identity, and a fundamental right that must be protected. The World Federation of the Deaf, the international body advocating for Deaf rights, notes that the theme is anchored in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The recent recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the country’s 12th official language was a historic victory for the Deaf community, following decades of advocacy. This Deaf Awareness Week, South Africa joins the world in affirming a powerful truth: there can be no human rights without language rights.