Pakistan joins the Marrakesh Treaty
On December 12, 2023, Pakistan officially became a member of the Marrakesh Treaty after President Arif Alvi signed the instrument of accession.
Pakistan’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty is a positive impact on differently-abled citizens. The treaty’s role in ensuring the fundamental right to education for individuals with disabilities and facilitating their integration into mainstream society, contributing to both individual and societal development.
Pakistan’s Copyright Ordinance of 1962 previously prohibited the compulsory printing and reproduction of published works in braille and audio formats. The Marrakesh Treaty mandates contracting parties to introduce a standard set of limitations and exceptions to copyright law, allowing the reproduction, distribution, and accessibility of published works in formats designed for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the treaty enables the exchange of these accessible works across borders by organizations serving these beneficiaries.
At the moment, the competent authorities as well as legal service providers in Pakistan need to properly and effectively implement the Marrakesh Treaty to maximize its benefits for individuals with visual and print disabilities in Pakistan.
The Marrakesh Treaty
The Marrakesh Treaty is an international treaty that aims to facilitate access to published works for people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled. The treaty was adopted on June 27, 2013, during a diplomatic conference held in Marrakesh, Morocco. It is officially known as the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.
Key features of the Marrakesh Treaty include:
- Access to Published Works: The treaty focuses on providing access to published works in accessible formats such as braille, large print, and digital formats to individuals with visual impairments.
- Cross-Border Exchange: It promotes the cross-border exchange of accessible format copies of books and other printed materials among countries that are party to the treaty.
- Limitations and Exceptions: The treaty allows for limitations and exceptions to copyright laws to facilitate the creation and distribution of accessible format copies without requiring permission from the copyright holder.
- Promotion of International Cooperation: The Marrakesh Treaty encourages international cooperation to ensure the availability of accessible format copies and to address the book famine—where people with print disabilities have limited access to books and other literary works.
- Balance of Rights: The treaty seeks to strike a balance between the rights of copyright holders and the rights of individuals with print disabilities, recognizing the importance of both.
The Marrakesh Treaty entered into force on September 30, 2016, after it was ratified by 20 countries. Many countries around the world have become parties to the treaty, and it continues to have a positive impact on improving access to information and culture for people with print disabilities.
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