Rwanda has made remarkable steps towards the realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWD) in the country over recent years. There is now a strong legal framework for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities in the Constitution, laws for persons with disabilities and the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2008. The inclusion of disability as a crosscutting issue in the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 2, which works to achieve inclusive development has been particularly welcomed. Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) is a registered National Non- Governmental Organisation established in 1989 by Deaf people devoted to raising awareness of the challenges and needs of Deaf Rwandans and how to address their concerns. It has been advocating for many years for the adoption and use of Rwandan Sign language (RSL) as the primary means of communication for Deaf and Hard of hearing people in Rwanda. Sign language is the most effective way to overcome communication barriers and improve the economic and social inclusion of Deaf people. Great strides have been made with the current development of a sign language. According to the latest census there are 33,471 people aged 5 years and above who have difficulty with hearing, living in Rwanda. Nevertheless Rwandan sign language (RSL) still remains an unofficial and underutilised language in Rwanda. However, despite the great progress, RNUD has found that many Deaf people experience stigma from birth and are prone to exclusion, concealment, and abandonment. RNUD conducted a study in 7 districts of Rwanda in 2014, and has identified a number of challenges encountered by Deaf and Hard of hearing people in communicating with service providers,local leaders and the community. Deaf and Hard of hearing people struggle to obtain information about social services. RNUD has developed these recommendations to ensure that Deaf people in Rwanda can overcome barriers to economic and social participation and fully contribute to the development of their country. RNUD welcomes working in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and private sector to provide advice on the rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people can fulfilled.

1. 14
Rwanda has made remarkable steps towards the realisation of the rights of persons with
disabilities (PWD) in the country over recent years. There is now a strong legal framework
for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities in the Constitution, laws for persons
with disabilities and the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2008. The inclusion of disability as a crosscutting issue
in the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 2, which works to achieve
inclusive development has been particularly welcomed.
Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) is a registered National Non- Governmental
Organisation established in 1989 by Deaf people devoted to raising awareness of the
challenges and needs of Deaf Rwandans and how to address their concerns. It has been
advocating for many years for the adoption and use of Rwandan Sign language (RSL) as the
primary means of communication for Deaf and Hard of hearing people in Rwanda.
Sign language is the most effective way to overcome communication barriers and improve
the economic and social inclusion of Deaf people. Great strides have been made with the
current development of a sign language. According to the latest census there are 33,471
people aged 5 years and above who have difficulty with hearing, living in Rwanda. Neverthe-
less Rwandan sign language (RSL) still remains an unofficial and underutilised language in
Rwanda.
However, despite the great progress, RNUD has found that many Deaf people experience
stigma from birth and are prone to exclusion, concealment, and abandonment. RNUD
conducted a study in 7 districts of Rwanda in 2014, and has identified a number of challenges
encountered by Deaf and Hard of hearing people in communicating with service providers,
local leaders and the community. Deaf and Hard of hearing people struggle to obtain
information about social services provided by government and private institutions in their
respective communities.
RNUD has developed these recommendations to ensure that Deaf people in Rwanda can
overcome barriers to economic and social participation and fully contribute to the develop-
ment of their country. RNUD welcomes working in partnership with the Ministry of Local
Government (MINALOC), the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and
private sector to provide advice on the rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people can
fulfilled.
Fourth Population and Housing Census, Rwanda, 2012
50 Deaf people,20 government officials and 10 private staff - Interviews with deaf people and district officials, private
institutions (micro-finance) in Muhanga, Nyagatare, Nyanza, Kicukiro, Gasabo, Nyarugenge and Musanze
Introduction
Conclusion
RWANDA NATIONAL UNION OF THE DEAF (RNUD).
P.O Box 5810 Kigali-Rwanda.
E-mail:infornud2010@gmail.com.
Phone (Call/SMS): (+250)783048928
(+250) 789139470,(+250) 788433444.
Website: www.rnud.org.
For more information contact:
Supported by:
Recommendation: RNUD advocates that service providers, broadcasters and other institu-
tions are further sensitised and partner with RNUD to advise on respectful language and how
to communicate with Deaf and hard of hearing people appropriately as part of the NCPD
Mainstreaming Guidance.
POLICY BRIEF : IMPROVING ACCESS TO COMMUNICATION
AND QUALITY INFORMATION FOR DEAF PEOPLE IN RWANDA