Statement on behalf of the DAISY Consortium by Hiroshi Kawamura 16 June 2011 at SCCR 22nd
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
My name is Hiroshi Kawamura, President of the DAISY Consortium. As I am based in Japan and have been struggling to support persons with print disabilities in the devastating disaster situation since 11th March, I would like to take this opportunity to thank international community who helped victims by free access to copyrighted documents via internet.According to a pilot research on victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami hit areas, people with disabilities are found as the most vulnerable group in the society.
The DAISY Consortium envisions a world where people with print disabilities have equal access to information and knowledge, without delay or extra cost including in the disaster situation and throughout the recovery process from the disaster.
The DAISY Consortium wishes to state that it fully supports a binding legal framework to address the issue of cross-border exchange of accessible versions of copyrighted materials. Only through a binding legal framework,people with print disabilities worldwide may have equal access to copyrighted works in a sustainable and cost effective way.We sincerely requestall delegations of this meeting [at 22nd SCCR] to reach rapid agreement on the binding legal framework needed to meet the obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Some governments are of the belief that licensing or advisory frameworks will adequately address the issue. However, licensing arrangements do not cover many vital publications, and may also result in unacceptable delivery delays and additional costs. "Equal access" means access to published works at the same time and at no additional cost. After two years of negotiations we are no closer to a binding legal framework.
The DAISY Consortium is fully committed to supporting the legitimate rights of copyright holders. At the same time we support governments in their efforts to deliver their equality of access obligations under the UN Convention and under their national equality laws. The Consortium has participated in the Stakeholders' Platform and the TIGAR Project in good faith with the understanding that these activities were not an attempt to undermine efforts to establish an international copyright exception.
The DAISY Consortium believes that a copyright exception that enables the cross-border exchange of materials to persons who are blind and print disabled will strengthen copyright globally, because there will be a clear mechanism to assist persons with disabilities in their right to read. In addition, countries that do not yet have copyright exceptions that serve persons who are blind and print disabled will find clear direction from an international treaty.
The DAISY Consortium is focused on the technology and functional infrastructure for secure and efficient cross-border exchange of accessible publications, which a binding legal framework would greatly facilitate.The DAISY Consortium will continue to advocate for WIPO member governments to swiftly come to consensus on an international exception instrument.
The book famine must be brought to an end. The DAISY Consortium will continue to partner with the publishing industry, governments and organizations of and/or for people with print disabilities. We have helped lead the development of international standards, such as the EPUB standard used in the commercial digital publishing industry. We fully expect that accessible publishing standards, like EPUB, will meet the needs of many persons with disabilities. However, an exception that supports the cross-border exchange of accessible publications is needed to address the very special needs of those not served by that market.
Thank you very much for your attention.