The Marrakesh Agreement UN, also known as the Marrakesh Treaty, is an international treaty that aims to increase access to copyrighted works for people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled. The treaty was adopted in 2013 and came into force in 2016, after it was ratified by 20 countries.
The treaty is named after the city of Marrakesh, Morocco, where it was signed. It is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and currently has 90 contracting parties, including the European Union.
The Marrakesh Treaty addresses the so-called “book famine,” which refers to the fact that less than 10% of published books are available in accessible formats, such as braille or audio. This makes it difficult for people with print disabilities to access educational materials, literature, and information. The treaty aims to change this by allowing authorized entities, such as libraries and non-governmental organizations, to produce and distribute accessible formats without having to obtain permission from copyright holders. This includes both cross-border exchange of accessible materials and the production and distribution of works within a country.
To ensure that the copyright owners’ rights are protected, the Marrakesh Treaty includes several safeguards. For example, the Treaty limits the use of accessible works to persons with print disabilities and prohibits their use for commercial purposes. It also requires authorized entities to maintain records of accessible formats produced and distributed under the Treaty.
The Marrakesh Treaty is an important step towards promoting the rights of people with disabilities and improving access to information and education. It has been endorsed by numerous organizations and individuals around the world, including the United Nations and the World Blind Union.
In conclusion, the Marrakesh Agreement UN is a significant international treaty that addresses the book famine and promotes access to information and education for people with print disabilities. It provides a framework for authorized entities to produce and distribute accessible formats without infringing on copyright holders’ rights. As copy editors, it is important that we are aware of the Marrakesh Treaty and its implications for the publishing industry and the rights of people with disabilities.
