Members of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) once again backed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to host the 2027 World Congress on Saturday, during an Extraordinary General Assembly sparked by concerns over the country’s stance on LGBTQIA+ rights.
The WFD, an international body made up of more than 130 member nations seeking to “promote the human rights of deaf people”, first voted for the Middle Eastern country back in July, in Jeju, South Korea.
Despite the Board of the WFD withdrawing its recommendation for the UAE to host the next congress, amid reports that the UAE delegation said discussion of LGBTQ+ topics would not be allowed if it was handed hosting duties, members voted for UAE over fellow candidates Norway and Nigeria, the African state which also has strict anti-gay laws.
The result sparked “serious concerns” from WFD members, with the British Deaf Association arguing the bid going ahead is “a clear contravention of the mission of the WFD”, while America’s National Association of the Deaf said it had asked the WFD what its plans are to “ensure the safety and protection” of LGBTQIA+ attendees.
Following the decision, 19 ordinary members submitted a motion for an Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) – the first in the WFD’s history – to carry out a second vote on the host for the next World Congress, which took place on Zoom this weekend.
In a statement issued following the meeting, WFD President Dr Joseph J. Murray said: “During the EGA, Norway withdrew its bid. The Ordinary Members then reaffirmed their support for the UAE by a vote of 64 in support and 10 not supporting.
“The WFD recognises the concerns of some of its members and deaf communities regarding deaf LGBTQIA+ topics at the next World Congress. The WFD emphasizes its philosophy of equality, human rights, and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or any other differences.
“We will work with our OMs around the globe to promote these values in their organisations.”
However, according to the British Deaf Association, Norway’s delegation “did not explain their reasons” behind withdrawing their bid to host the 2027 World Congress.
Norges Døveforbund, the country’s deaf association, are yet to comment publicly on their decision to pull out.
Meanwhile, following a second vote supporting their candidacy, representatives from the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) said they are “very pleased” and “proud” to have the “honour” of having the next WFD World Congress take place in the UAE.
Although they did not address concerns over the country’s stance on LGBTQIA+ rights directly, ZHO representatives addressed those who did not support their hosting bid and said “we are brothers and each of us has an opinion”.
Images: Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination/Twitter.
Liam O'Dell
Think Outside the Box…