RUB Calls for Urgent Action to Establish Authorized Entity for Accessible Books

Members of the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) are urging the government to fast-track the establishment of an authorized entity responsible for producing and distributing accessible books for people with visual impairments and print disabilities.

The appeal was made during a one-day workshop held in Kigali on June 20, 2025, organized by RUB to raise awareness about the right to read and to promote the objectives of the Marrakesh Treaty—an international agreement that facilitates access to published works for blind persons, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled.

Despite Rwanda ratifying the Marrakesh Treaty in 2020 and formally depositing its instrument of accession with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in October 2021, implementation has been sluggish—particularly due to the absence of a designated national body authorized to convert and share accessible-format books.

Jacques MUGISHA, Executive Director of the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB).

“Rwanda ratified the Marrakesh Treaty, but its implementation is moving very slowly,” said Jacques MUGISHA, Executive Director of RUB. “Without an authorized entity, writers cannot legally produce accessible books. And without accessible books, blind people remain in a state of reading famine.”

MUGISHA noted that while some materials are made accessible—such as government-published laws and copyright-free content—books covering crucial topics like society, economics, and defense remain largely unavailable in braille or other accessible formats.

“If we don’t have accessible books, it means we are still hungry for knowledge. We need this entity to not only serve Rwanda, but to facilitate cross-border exchange of accessible books, as envisioned by the treaty,” he emphasized.

MUGISHA concluded, “It’s time to turn the ratification into real action. The authorized entity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity if Rwanda wants to end the book famine for persons with disabilities.”

The Marrakesh Treaty, adopted in 2013 and effective since 2016, aims to end the global “book famine” by allowing the reproduction and exchange of published works in accessible formats without violating copyright laws. However, a key mechanism for this exchange—the authorized entity—has yet to be put in place in Rwanda.

Writers, Disability Advocates Back the Call

The workshop brought together stakeholders from government institutions, civil society organizations, publishers, and organizations of persons with disabilities. 

Richard HATEKIMANA, Chairman of the Rwandan Writers’ Federation

Among the speakers was Richard HATEKIMANA, Chairman of the Rwandan Writers’ Federation, who expressed strong support for RUB’s proposal.

“This meeting was a milestone,” Hategekimana said. “As writers, we are ready to cooperate with RUB to implement the Marrakesh Treaty. But the biggest gap is the lack of an authorized entity to coordinate and resolve the issues facing print-disabled readers.”

He called on the government, private sector, and civil society to unite in pushing for the establishment of this body.

“Let us work together—united—so that no one is left behind in reading, education, and cultural participation,” he added.

National Council Pledges Support

Emmanuel NDAYISABA, Executive Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), reaffirmed commitment to the cause.

“We were pleased that Rwanda ratified the Marrakesh Treaty. But based on today’s discussions, we realized the need to establish a dedicated licensing or coordination office to ensure organized and effective implementation,” Ndayisaba said.

He promised that NCPD would work closely with RUB, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), and other partners to prepare and submit a formal proposal for the entity’s creation.

“We will ensure this center is established so all planned programs can move forward quickly and efficiently,” he stated.

A Book Famine That Persists

According to the World Blind Union, less than 10% of published works are available in accessible formats in developed countries—and under 1% in developing countries like Rwanda. This stark disparity contributes to systemic educational and cultural exclusion of individuals with print disabilities.

In response, Rwanda signed a cooperation agreement with WIPO’s Accessible Books Consortium (ABC), aiming to reach at least 3,000 beneficiaries through Marrakesh Treaty implementation. But without an authorized entity, stakeholders argue, the impact remains minimal.

Legal and Human Rights Framework

The Marrakesh Treaty aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)—specifically Articles 9 (Accessibility), 24 (Inclusive Education), and 30 (Participation in Cultural Life). These international frameworks obligate state parties to guarantee equal access to information and culture.

Yet, in Rwanda, blind and visually impaired readers are still waiting for the infrastructure and policy support that would allow them to fully exercise these rights.