The Gambia has ratified the Marrakesh Treaty, a major step towards improving access to books and other published materials for people who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled.

The National Assembly unanimously approved the ratification on Monday following a motion tabled by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow.

The treaty allows copyrighted works to be reproduced, distributed and made available in accessible formats such as Braille, large print and audio for people with print disabilities.

Minister Jallow described the treaty as an important instrument for “equality, inclusion and social justice”, saying it is consistent with The Gambia’s commitment to human dignity, equal opportunity and the rights of persons with disabilities.

The ratification follows sustained advocacy by the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) and the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD), among others.

GFD/NACPWD Chairman Muhammed Krubally, who announced the development, said the organisation had engaged the Tertiary Trust Fund in March on the treaty’s ratification.

He also commended the Ministry of Justice and National Assembly members, particularly NAM Mbowe, for supporting the process.

The motion was seconded by Wuli East NAM Suwaibou Touray and received support from lawmakers including Foni Bintang NAM Bakary Badgie and Kiang West NAM Lamin Ceesay, who called for effective implementation in line with the Persons with Disabilities Act.

What the treaty means
Adopted in 2013 and entering into force in 2016 under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Marrakesh Treaty requires member countries to introduce copyright exceptions allowing accessible copies of published works to be produced and shared.

It also facilitates the cross-border exchange of accessible-format books through authorised organisations.

The move is therefore expected to give Gambian students and other print-disabled readers access to a wider range of educational and cultural materials that may not otherwise be available in accessible formats locally.

The GFD said the ratification represents a significant milestone for persons with disabilities and thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Tertiary Trust Fund team and NAM Mbowe for their support in advancing the process.

By Madi S. Njie