Top KRG Official Hails Kurdistan24 Sign-Language News Initiative

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Aryan Salahaddin, Deputy Minister of Culture and Youth of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), has praised Kurdistan24’s decision to introduce sign-language interpretation into its news bulletins, describing the move as an important humanitarian initiative.

In an exclusive statement to Kurdistan24 on Thursday, Salahaddin said the initiative was “a very important step” and expressed hope that other media outlets would follow suit.

“I hope all other channels will follow your example. We encourage and support everyone to take this step, as we have repeatedly urged media institutions to do so,” Salahaddin said.

He added that the initiative demonstrates respect for the deaf community and helps promote equal access to information.

Salahaddin also praised Kurdistan24 for what he described as its responsible coverage of events and its continued standing in the media sector.

Kurdistan24 began incorporating sign-language interpretation into its daily 6 p.m. news bulletin on Wednesday, coinciding with the International Day of Sign Languages. The broadcaster said the initiative is part of its professional, social, and national responsibility to make its content accessible to all segments of society.

According to information provided by Kurdistan24, more than 10,000 deaf people live in the Kurdistan Region, while no media outlet had been providing them with daily news and developments in an accessible format.

The broadcaster said the move is part of broader changes aimed at giving greater attention to all segments of society and ensuring wider access to information.

On Thursday, Erbil’s General Directorate of Social Monitoring and Development also welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward promoting equality and justice in access to information and media content.

The directorate expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other media institutions to adopt similar measures.