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Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has deposited its instruments of accession to the Marrakesh Treaty in order to access published works for visually impaired and blind persons.
The Treaty on copyright which was adopted in June 2013 in Marrakesh, Morocco, facilitates access to print works in formats adapted for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled. The Permanent Representative of Republic of Zimbabwe to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu said;
“Zimbabwe considers both treaties, the Beijing and Marrakesh Treaty — very important. One, for availing to our people who are visual handicapped — materials and we do have our institutions that will benefit from our acceding to these treaties and also audio visual so that our artists can benefit from their work. So we think these two treaties are quite important.”
It has been established that the majority of persons who are blind and visually impaired live in developing countries and least developed countries. At the same time, it has also been found that the levels of access to information and employment by these people are lowest in such countries.
In other words, developing countries have not been able to adequately provide for the needs of persons who are blind and visually impaired, thus leading to their low levels of participation in and contribution to socio-economic activities of their countries. Therefore, developing and least developed countries are encouraged to ratify or accede to the Treaty and ensure implementation at national level.
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Director General Mr Francis Curry said the board was thrilled to have Zimbabwe coming on board.
“We are absolutely delighted that Zimbabwe has deposited its instruments of accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for visually impaired and blind persons and to the Beijing treaty on audiovisual performances for actors. This is another commitment on the part of Zimbabwe to international co-operation. We are absolutely delighted by this and honoured by Zimbabwe’s engagement in this organisation,” he said.
Mr Curry said as far as the Marrakesh Treaty is concerned, they were also particularly delighted that this is now the 58th accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, which now covers 85 countries.
“We are very proud that Zimbabwe becomes the 14th African country that has acceded to the Marrakesh Treaty. And we think the Marrakesh Treaty has great benefits for the visually impaired community around the world and in Africa and in Zimbabwe in particular,” he said.
On the The Beijing Treaty, the accession of Zimbabwe is the 27th accession and the organisation needs 30 accessions in order to bring the Beijing Treaty in to force. The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances brings justice to the claim that all performances deserve intellectual property protection regardless of how they are delivered to the audience and the nature of their fixation.
Online Reporter