Fifty years ago on September 8th, 1966 the first International Literacy Day was celebrated. In honor of the anniversary, this year's theme is "Reading the Past, Writing the Future." For the World Blind Union (WBU), the future of literacy for the blind and partially sighted is seen with the ratification and effective implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty.
Currently, over 90% of published materials are not available to the nearly 300 million people that are blind or have a print disability. Access is especially low in developing countries where less than 1% of materials are accessible. This has resulted in a global "book famine" that WBU has campaigned for years for the Marrakesh Treaty.
The momentous goal of twenty countries to ratify in order for the Treaty to enter into force was achieved in June of this year. The Treaty will officially enter into force on September 10th, 2016.
The President of the WBU, Arnt Holte celebrated upon the news by remarking that "the fact that the Marrakesh Treaty is coming into force might be the most positive development for blind and partially sighted persons and their right to read since Louis Braille developed the Braille alphabet. Accessible books being shared across borders will change the world for all people with print disabilities."
The Treaty will:
- enable "authorized entities," such as a blind persons' organizations and libraries to more easily reproduce works into accessible formats for non-profit distribution.
- permit the same authorized entities to share accessible books and other printed materials across borders with other authorized entities.
Literacy for all is fundamental to getting an education, work and participating in the community, and ultimately have the same experiences as blind persons.
The hope for WBU is that every country will ratify the Marrakesh Treaty and effectively implement its provisions parallel to the treaty's overarching goal of furthering the human rights of persons with print disabilities by promoting their access to literature and information.
Source: World Blind Union press release "The Marrakesh Treaty and the Future of Literacy for the Blind and Print Disabled: International Literacy Day 2016" September 8th, 2016