The British Deaf Association has joined a growing number of deaf people in expressing ‘serious concerns’ about the suitability of the United Arab Emirates to host the next World Federation of the Deaf Congress in 2027, ‘due to the country’s anti-LGBTQIA+ stance.’
The charity released a tweet a short time ago, featuring a statement (see below) that can also be seen in BSL by clicking here.
Our statement: British Deaf Association voices serious concerns over suitability of the United Arab Emirates to host the next World Federation of the Deaf Congress in 2027 due to country’s anti-LGBTQIA+ stance.
BSL: https://t.co/fdjEfqTitX#WFD2023 #WFD2027 #Deaf #LGBTQIAplus pic.twitter.com/k2J80Ckie8
— British Deaf Association (@BDA_Deaf) July 12, 2023
Tim
July 13, 2023
I agree.
The UK is equally unsuitable to host it, with their own appalling record on human rights. For example, austerity and trampling on our socio-economic rights (nb socio-economic rights include things besides language. That point is for the benefit of those who think they can take a ‘pick and mix’ approach to human rights.)
There is also the issue of Deaf organisations and “leaders” who take up positions of neutrality or even acquiescence when dealing with right-wing human rights abusers in the UK.
If you are neutral in situations of injustice you have chosen the side of the oppressor.
HarryT
July 13, 2023
There is only one way to change things and its not to have boycotts and bans its by engaging and inclusivity.