Papua New Guinea's government has officially endorsed sign language as the country's fourth official language, alongside English, Tok Pisin and Motu.
The religion, youth and community development minister, Delilah Gore, says this will allow speech and hearing-impaired people to ensure their needs and rights are heard.
The Post Courier reports a senior inclusive resource officer, Christine Kenia, welcoming the announcement, saying the deaf community in PNG has waited too long for their rights to be heard.