Papua New Guinea's government has officially endorsed sign language as the country's fourth official language, alongside English, Tok Pisin and Motu.

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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.