LOC14:42
11:42 GMT
BRUSSELS, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- The European Commission Tuesday proposed the ratification, on behalf of the European Union, of the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
The Treaty will ensure that books in formats such as Braille, large print, e-books and audio books with special navigation tools, produced under copyright exceptions, can be exchanged across borders, not only within the EU but also between the EU and third countries, noted an EU statement.
Michel Barnier, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Internal Market and Services, said "The Marrakesh Treaty will simplify the lives of millions of visually impaired people around the world. The EU can help to improve access to books with equal conditions for all and contribute to the fight against the book famine."
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired: 39 million are blind and 246 million have low vision.
The World Blind Union reports that in Europe only 5 percent of published books are available in an accessible format for visually impaired persons, while in developing countries this rate is as low as 1 percent.
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is the United Nations agency responsible for intellectual property such as patents, copyright, trademarks, designs, etc.
Between 17 and 28 June 2013, WIPO held a Diplomatic Conference in Marrakesh to conclude a Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Besides the EU, 79 WIPO Member States have signed the Treaty.
On the basis of the Commission's proposal, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament, it is for the EU Council of Ministers to authorise the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty by the European Union.
The Marrakesh Treaty will enter into force after its ratification by twenty WIPO Member States - so far, two have ratified it, India and El Salvador. (end)
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