Human rights lawyers call for AUSLAN interpreters to be present at NSW COVID-19 Press Conferences
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) expresses significant concern regarding the press conferences held by the NSW Government on October 10 and 11 2021 which did not have Auslan interpreters visible to viewers.
Natalie Wade, Vice President and Disability Rights Subcommittee Chair states, “Article 21 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) enshrines the human right for the provision of information intended for the general public to be in accessible formats, including through the use of sign language.”
Ms Wade further explains, “press conferences regarding COVID-19 are a fundamental source of information to the public to know the latest in an ever-shifting environment. Failure to provide this information in an accessible manner, in real-time, violates the human rights of people with disability and places them at great risk.”
ALHR has written to Premier Perrottet stating our concern regarding the press conferences.
Ms Wade cautioned that, “the NSW Government has an obligation to protect the rights of people with disability, and must provide Auslan interpreters for all COVID-19 press conferences.”
For all media inquiries, contact: Matt Mitchell, ALHR media manager on 0431 980 365.