MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has asked Filipinos to be more humane during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging people to stop making fun of sign language interpreters on television. CHR noted that the Filipino sign language (FSL) interpreters were playing an important role, delivering vital information to people who are either hard of hearing or deaf. “However, in advocating for this cause, it has come to our attention that several social media posts, memes, and comments have ridiculed Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreters, particularly those insets usually found in television news and public affairs programs,” she added. CHR said that poking fun at FSL interpreters downplayed the successes of the Filipino deaf community and the fight against COVID-19 itself. For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 08, 2020 16:18 UTC