Discrimination against deaf people in Switzerland on the rise
Published: Tuesday, Mar 12th 2024, 12:10
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Deaf people are increasingly discriminated against. The Swiss Federation of the Deaf is therefore calling for the legal recognition of sign languages, their promotion and the equality of deaf and hearing-impaired people.
After a record number of discrimination cases in 2022, 132 cases were reported last year, an increase of four percent, as the Federation of the Deaf wrote in a press release on Tuesday. A high number of unreported cases must also be assumed. Most cases were reported in the areas of work, education, health and the financing of aids.
Deaf people depend on being able to communicate in sign language. Unambiguous communication between doctor and patient is particularly important in the healthcare sector. Misunderstandings could lead to health risks, the report continued.
Deaf people are still too often excluded and denied equal rights and opportunities. However, the protection and guarantee of human rights and fundamental freedoms of people with disabilities are guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
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