Deafblindness

UNITED NATIONS ACCEPTED DEAFBLINDNESS as a unique and distinct disability

The UN General Assembly

Presentation of resolution by Mr. Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić, Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the of Croatia to the UN at the UN General Assembly, Headquarters in New York, 16 June 2025.

On Monday, 16 June 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/79/294 without a vote a titled “International Day of Deafblindness” A/79/L.92, officially proclaiming 27 June as the International Day of Deafblindness. The Assembly invited all Member States and UN agencies to promote the empowerment and inclusion of deafblind individuals in all aspects of society.

The resolution was introduced by Mr. Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić, Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the of Croatia to the UN, who emphasized that persons with deafblindness represent “the world’s largest minority group — a diverse community spanning all ages, religions, continents, and backgrounds.” He stated, “This resolution is not merely symbolic — it is a call to action to ensure persons with deafblindness are no longer left behind.” This historic resolution affirms deafblindness as a unique and distinct disability, recognizing the specific challenges, barriers, and support needs faced by persons who are deafblind in achieving full inclusion in society.

Why June 27th?

The date of 27 of June has been chosen to commemorate the birth of Helen Keller in 1880, a renowned figure in the deafblind community.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

•⁠ ⁠Official Proclamation: June 27 will be observed annually as the International Day of Deafblindness starting in 2025.

•⁠ ⁠Recognition of Deafblindness as a Distinct Disability: The resolution urges governments to recognize deafblindness separately in laws, policies, and programs.

•⁠ ⁠Awareness and Inclusion: Calls on all UN Member States, organizations, and civil society to raise awareness and promote the inclusion of deafblind persons.

•⁠ ⁠Importance of Interpreter Services: Highlights the critical role of professional deafblind interpreters and interpreter-guides in enabling access to communication, information, and community participation.

•⁠ ⁠Symbolic Recognition: Acknowledges the red and white striped cane as an important tool for mobility and identification within the deafblind community.

Paving the Way for Real Change

This recognition lays the foundation for concrete action: inclusive legislation and policy, equitable access to services and technologies, and a more informed and inclusive public. The resolution invites all Member States and UN entities to raise awareness, promote the rights of deafblind persons, and ensure their full participation in every aspect of society — in line with the pledge to “leave no one behind.”