Belarus Accedes to Marrakesh Treaty

May 22, 2020

Belarus has joined the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled. The relevant law comes into force on 3 June, BelTA learned from the press service of the State Committee on Science and Technology.

The document intends to facilitate access of blind and visually impaired persons to cultural and other information, to develop international inter-library cooperation and popularize works of Belarusian authors. The objectives of the Marrakesh Treaty are in sync with the country's policy on the work with people with disabilities. Many of its provisions are closely correlated with other international treaties that Belarus is party to,” the press service noted.

Libraries, educational institutions and public associations of persons with disabilities shall conduct cross-border exchanges of works in formats accessible to persons with disabilities. The State Committee on Science and Technology shall coordinate the activities of state administration bodies and other organizations to implement the treaty.

The Marrakesh Treaty was adopted by the WIPO member states at the diplomatic conference in Marrakesh on 27 June 2013 and entered into force on 30 September 2016. More than 60 countries, including Russia, the United States, EU countries have already acceded to the Marrakesh Treaty.

Source: Belta