Kazakhstan ratifies the Marrakesh Treaty, enhancing the rights of visually impaired individuals.
In a significant stride towards social inclusion, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law on ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty on January 28. This treaty, adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2013, aims to facilitate access to published works for people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled.
The ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty in Kazakhstan is expected to have far-reaching benefits for thousands of visually impaired citizens. By removing legal barriers that prevent these individuals from accessing books and other printed materials, the treaty will enhance education, career advancement, and cultural engagement opportunities.
The treaty provides notable exceptions to copyright, allowing works to be adapted without needing permission from copyright holders. This provision enables libraries, specialized organisations, and educational institutions to create and distribute books in accessible formats, such as Braille, audiobooks, and electronic texts.
The Marrakesh Treaty also sets a legal framework that allows countries to create exceptions in copyright laws to enable the reproduction, distribution, and importation of accessible formats of copyrighted works. This international cooperation in sharing accessible formats across borders can lead to a more inclusive and accessible global library and educational system.
The treaty's benefits extend beyond Kazakhstan, with more than 90 countries already having ratified it. By promoting social inclusion and equality for people with disabilities, the treaty can lead to improved opportunities for education, employment, and social integration. Access to books and educational materials in accessible formats can empower individuals with disabilities, enabling them to participate more fully in their communities and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Moreover, the treaty can stimulate innovation in accessible technologies, creating new opportunities for businesses in the assistive technology sector. The cost savings associated with obtaining copyright permissions can lead to significant reductions for educational institutions and governments. As more people with disabilities gain access to education and employment opportunities due to increased accessibility, they can contribute more effectively to the workforce, potentially leading to economic benefits for the country.
In conclusion, the Marrakesh Treaty holds significant potential for enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by providing better access to information and educational resources, promoting social inclusion, and encouraging international cooperation. The ratification of this treaty by Kazakhstan reflects the country's commitment to social inclusion and marks an important step in strengthening the rights of people with disabilities.
- The ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty in Kazakhstan could further aid vis-à-vis mental health and overall health-and-wellness of its visually impaired citizens, as it removes legal barriers and promotes education, career advancement, and cultural engagement.
- With the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, Kazakhstan fosters an inclusive environment by improving access to various health-and-wellness resources, including educational materials, which in turn, boosts the mental health of its visually impaired population and promotes greater social inclusion.
