South-South Sub-Regional Workshop on Implementation of Marrakesh Treaty

December 7, 2016

The WIPO South-South Cooperation Sub-Regional Workshop on the Implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty took place on October 18 and 19, 2016 in Buenos Aires (Argentina). The event provided participants with the opportunity to discuss practical aspects of the creation and exchange of accessible works.

This Workshop follows the entry into force of the Marrakesh Treaty. It was especially relevant given the significant number of countries from the Latin American region that have ratified the Treaty. Participants in the Workshop included government representatives, organizations for the visually-impaired, and libraries.

WIPO SSC South South meeting

During the Regional Workshop for Latin America on the Implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty, held in Panama City, June 21 to 23, 2016, several participants noted that although the legal framework may already be in place, the costs and practical challenges to produce works in accessible formats still exist.

The Workshop was jointly organized by the Copyright Office of Argentina and the Latin American Blind Union (ULAC). The event concluded with the publication of a draft implementation plan.

Draft implementation plan

Participants agreed upon a draft implementation plan with the general objective of ensuring that persons with a print disability are able to access the works they desire in accessible formats, without encountering any barriers.

Specific objectives included:

Authorized entities in Latin America to become part of an exchange network for works in accessible formats.
That works in accessible formats are made available to the beneficiaries of the Marrakesh Treaty.
That clear and precise information about works and accessible formats is made available.
That an accessible format of a work should exist, regardless of the nature of the original work.

Find out more

Full draft implementation plan in English and Portuguese .