The Canadian Human Rights Commission commends Industry Minister James Moore for taking an important step to improve access to reading materials for the blind and visually impaired, by tabling the Marrakesh Treaty in Parliament today.
The Marrakesh Treaty is an international agreement to facilitate access to published works for people who are blind or visually impaired. It removes copyright and other legal barriers to the creation of accessible versions of books and other works protected by copyright.
Canada will become one of the first G7 countries to implement the treaty, which requires ratification by 20 countries to take full effect.
Quotes
“In an age of information, it has never been more important to remove barriers to access to information, especially for people with disabilities.”
—Marie-Claude Landry, Ad. E., Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
“Equal access to published works is an important step towards realizing Canada’s commitment to equal opportunity and social inclusion, which are goals of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
—Marie-Claude Landry, Ad. E., Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
Associated Links
The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled
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