The bill to authorize the President of the Republic to ratify the Marrakech treaty in order to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled was defended on March 24, 2021 by social affairs’ minister, Pauline Irene Nguene.

The bill that features amongst the 9 tabled earlier this week at the ongoing March ordinary session of the national assembly has a vital role to play in several works of life.

According to Minister Pauline Irene Nguene more benefits will be yield in the education and training of visually challenged and disabled persons who are the targets. It is an important project greatly welcomed as it will clear off some social disparities.

Pauline Irène Nguene said: “First of all I will say that, the treaty was adopted by Member states of the world intellectual property organization and Cameroon is amongst those countries that will end the shortage of books. Today the ratification goes beyond because different countries, member states have to take a law in order to permit the transformation of those books in a specific format. You know that when you are blind, visually impaired, it is difficult to read. This ratification will permit the government to have a lead and promote access to information, education, vocational training. It is a big step and the government hereby reaffirms its commitment to take care of people living with disabilities.”

Taking part at the session dedicated to the scrutiny of bills, Coco Bertin, a well-known defender of visually impaired persons has praised government’s initiative.

“It is a very important bill for people living with visual impairment in our country. We are more than ever comforted with the way the minister of social affairs takes this issue in a serious way and defends the bill which will give access to books and other supports for visually impaired. We think that with this bill everything will be free of charge for us.” said Coco Bertin.

Other bills will be brought forward before the various committees of the national assembly who are up to the task.

Elise Kenimbeni