The Deputy Minister responsible for Disability Affairs in the Vice-Presidents Office says there is a need for sign-language interpreters at all parliamentary sessions, broadcast live on television. Alexia Manombe-Ncube says this will allow the deaf community to follow deliberations and gain first-hand information on issues being discussed. Manombe-Ncube explains the need for this, saying Namibia is signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She noted that this and Namibia’s National Policy on Disability call for deliberate action to ensure the right to information for people with disabilities, is honoured. She was making a ministerial statement in the National Assembly as part of celebrations of International Week of the Deaf Community. This year, the event is observed under the theme – With Sign Language, I Am Equal. As part of the celebration, the Deputy Minister brought along a sign-language interpreter, the first time in the history of the National Assembly. The week is aimed at increasing public awareness on hearing impairment and to celebrate the culture, heritage and language. It also promotes the rights of hearing-impaired people to education and health services.