Kazakhstan Advances Rights of Blind People with Marrakesh Treaty Ratification
Kazakhstan Ratifies Marrakesh Treaty to Improve Access to Books for Visually Impaired Individuals
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently signed the law on the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled. This important step, taken on Jan. 28, will greatly benefit individuals with disabilities in Kazakhstan by providing equal access to knowledge, education, and culture.
The ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty will enable visually impaired individuals in Kazakhstan to access a wider range of adapted books, allowing them to participate more actively in the country’s social and economic life. With over 90 countries already ratifying the treaty, there will also be expanded opportunities for international exchange of adapted books, benefitting readers around the world.
By adopting the Marrakesh Treaty, Kazakhstan is demonstrating its commitment to social inclusion and the protection of the rights of all its citizens. This move will not only enhance educational opportunities but also promote career advancement and cultural engagement for thousands of blind and visually impaired individuals in the country.
The Marrakesh Treaty was adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2013 with the goal of removing legal barriers that hinder visually impaired individuals from accessing books and other printed materials. The treaty includes exceptions to copyright laws, allowing for the adaptation of works without needing permission from copyright holders. This provision enables libraries, specialized organizations, and educational institutions to create and distribute books in accessible formats such as Braille, audiobooks, and electronic texts.
Overall, the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty in Kazakhstan represents a significant step towards improving accessibility and promoting the rights of visually impaired individuals in the country. It is a positive development that will have far-reaching benefits for individuals with disabilities and contribute to a more inclusive society.
