Jamaica Joins Marrakesh Treaty to Enhance Access to Reading Materials for Visually Impaired Individuals

Signing Ceremony Marks Significant Advancement in Promoting Inclusivity and Access to Knowledge

Lilyclaire Bellamy, Jamaica’s Intellectual Property chief, pictured at the signing ceremony. Photo: Mark Bell, JIS.

About the Marrakesh Treaty

The Marrakesh Treaty is an international agreement adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2013. The treaty aims to make it easier for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled (VIPs) to access reading materials, regardless of copyright issues.

Benefits of the Treaty

Prior to the treaty, the World Blind Union pointed out that countries with similar languages and cultures have vastly different numbers of accessible books. For example, Spain has approximately 100,000 accessible books, while Argentina has only about 25,000. The treaty allows for cross-border exchange, enabling countries to import accessible books and materials without infringing on copyright.

Impact on Jamaica

The treaty has significant implications for Jamaica, where 6.3 per cent of the population, or 163,206 citizens, have a disability, with visual impairment being the most common type of disability. The treaty aims to address the global “book famine” that disproportionately affects individuals with visual or print impairments. Jamaica’s neighbours, Canada and the United States, are parties to the treaty and have several works in accessible format, which Jamaica will now be able to obtain.

Minister’s Comments

Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, welcomed the accession, noting that the treaty represents a significant advancement in promoting inclusivity and access to knowledge for one of the most vulnerable groups in society. He emphasized that the treaty aims to address the global “book famine” and exempt individuals who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print impaired from needing a copyright arrangement.

Conclusion

Jamaica’s signing of the Marrakesh Treaty marks a significant step towards enhancing access to reading materials for visually impaired individuals. The treaty has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with visual or print impairments, enabling them to access a wider range of reading materials and improve their overall quality of life.

FAQs

Q: What is the Marrakesh Treaty?
A: The Marrakesh Treaty is an international agreement adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2013, aimed at making it easier for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled (VIPs) to access reading materials, regardless of copyright issues.

Q: What are the benefits of the treaty?
A: The treaty allows for cross-border exchange, enabling countries to import accessible books and materials without infringing on copyright, and aims to address the global “book famine” that disproportionately affects individuals with visual or print impairments.

Q: What impact will the treaty have on Jamaica?
A: The treaty will enable Jamaica to obtain accessible books and materials from countries like Canada and the United States, which are parties to the treaty, and exempt individuals who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print impaired from needing a copyright arrangement.