This was our 400 word statement at the WIPO SCCR 21.
Statement of KEI at WIPO SCCR 21, November 11, 2010There should be a compelling rationale for creating new global norms for copyrights.
KEI opposes work on a new broadcasting treaty, and supports work on performers treaty.
KEI supports work at the SCCR on new possible norms for copyright limitations and exceptions, particularly as regards to access to knowledge, and uses of new technologies.
For persons with disabilities, the well established rationale for a global norm is the need for sufficient implementation and harmonization of exceptions to facilitate the sharing of accessible work across national borders, in order to expand the number of works available to person who are blind or have other disabilities.
The SCCR just has to make it happen.
They say the three most important things about real estate are location, location, location. To advance work on a treaty for persons with disabilities, the three most important things are focus, focus, and focus. The SCCR should hold meetings that solely deal with the task of developing consensus on the text of such a treaty.
We call upon the Obama Administration, after nearly two years in office, to decide if a treaty is needed, and to provide leadership in Group B to support a treaty. WIPO could have a treaty on cross border sharing of works by 2012, if Group B countries would stop blocking work on the text.
On other topics, such as education, including distance education, libraries, archives, orphan works, user generated content and new information services, there is much that could be done, in terms of gathering information, sharing experiences, analysis and norm setting.
The Africa Group is asking that the SCCR make as a priority work on education. In this regard, we suggest the SCCR make an assessment of the 1971 Berne Appendix, to evaluate where this agreement achieved its objectives, and where it did not. We also suggest the SCCR identify the rationale or rationales for norm setting in the area of education exceptions, and consider the evidence that will assist the committee in its work.
Education, including also the role of libraries and archives, is a large sector with enormous impact on society. Given its importance in development for all countries, it is essential that the SCCR provide sufficient time and focus to identify the most useful and durable reforms that can insure that the copyright system has the right balance regarding the material interests, needs and human rights of authors, students, teachers and scholars, and commercial interests of publishers.