A consortium of civil society groups has urged South Sudan’s constitutional review body to prioritize sign language interpretation and accessibility measures in all public forums.
The group warned that the ongoing constitution-making process risks excluding citizens with hearing impairments.
The Constitution Making and Democratic Engagement Consortium (CMDEC) said many civic education sessions and consultation meetings held across the country have so far failed to accommodate persons with hearing impairment, leaving them unable to contribute to debates shaping the country’s future constitution.
“Being the supreme law of the land, the legitimacy of the new constitution rests upon the broad participation of all citizens, regardless of their abilities,” CMDEC said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Persons with hearing impairment form an integral part of our society. However, without deliberate action, they risk being excluded from contributing their voices and perspectives to this historic process.”
The consortium is calling on the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) and its partners to adopt targeted measures to ensure inclusion at every stage of the process, from civic education and public consultations to drafting and decision-making.
Among the key recommendations are the provision of sign language interpretation at all events, accessible materials such as captioned videos and simplified documents, and engagement of disability organizations — particularly associations representing the deaf — in planning and outreach efforts.
CMDEC also urged that persons with hearing impairment be included in consultative bodies and thematic committees, and that dedicated funding be allocated to support accessibility initiatives.
According to CMDEC, inclusion is not only a constitutional principle rooted in equality and non-discrimination but also essential to the credibility of the constitution-making process.
“A constitution that fails to reflect the voices, rights, and aspirations of all South Sudanese — including those with hearing impairment — risks losing legitimacy in the eyes of the people,” the statement added.
The appeal comes amid growing calls from civil society for a more participatory approach to constitutional reform.
Advocates say ensuring full access for persons with disabilities, including the deaf community, will help build a stronger, more inclusive foundation for South Sudan’s democratic future.
“We trust that the NCRC will take urgent steps to make the constitution-making process genuinely participatory and inclusive,” CMDEC concluded.
