Resolutions from the World Blind Union 5Th General Assembly in Melbourne, Australia, 20Th-25Th
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Resolutions from the World Blind Union 5th General Assembly in Melbourne, Australia, 20th-25th of November, 2000.
1. Resolutions on organisational matters.
A. Programming of General Assemblies.
Background and ideology: There will always be a need for the exchange of professional and technical knowledge and information between participants in WBU General Assemblies. This side of the Assembly programme should, however, not be over-emphasised at the expense of the transaction of official business which is a prerequisite for the functioning, growth and consolidation of WBU structures. An imbalance in that direction will leave Assemblies with insufficient time to deliberate on and deal with important official business such as constitutional amendments, elections etc, in a responsible manner.
Action: The programme committees of future WBU General Assemblies should be instructed to make sure that the Assembly programmes allow sufficient time for official business such as constitutional amendments, elections to various offices etc.
B. Resolution on the distribution of WBU offices between developed and developing countries.
Background and ideology: It is a fact that the WBU is the only representative international organisation of blind and partially sighted people, comprising the whole world. It is also a fact that the majority of blind and partially sighted people live in developing countries.
Action: The WBU officers should take the necessary steps to start a process to have the WBU Constitution amended so as to ensure equitable distribution of different elected officers of the WBU among the developed and developing regions. The WBU should provide the necessary financial support to the officers elected from developing countries to meet the cost involved in the discharge of their duties.
C. Resolution on specific representation of the interests of the blind and partially sighted in agencies dealing with matters affecting disabled people.
Background and ideology: Political authorities and official bodies at national and international levels tend to treat the different disability groups as one entity, formulating, designing and implementing programmes for disabled persons without taking account of the specific needs of blind and partially sighted people, denying them equal access to the benefits of such policies and programmes. This situation is accentuated through the spread of cross-disability organisations at all levels, preventing organisations of and for the blind from gaining due recognition by different international agencies and UN systems.
Action: The Executive Committee of WBU, the Executive Committees/Boards of the Regional Unions and the WBU National Affiliates should strive for a rightful consultative status in the respective agencies and for the inclusion of the specific needs of blind and partially sighted people in the different policies and programmes concerning disabled people.
D. Resolution on re-appointment of the working group to promote the establishment and strengthening of organisations of the blind.
Background and ideology: The majority of blind and partially sighted people live in developing countries. In such countries, the organisations of the blind are often weak, lacking in know-how and human and financial resources. In a substantial number of developing countries, there is no organisation of the blind in any form.
Action: On the basis of recommendations submitted by the Nordic Organisations of the Blind, in 1996, the WBU set up a working group, comprising the regional presidents, to propose and implement measures to strengthen existing organisations of the blind and establish organisations of the blind in countries where such organisations do not exist. This initiative should be carried on into the coming quadrenium through the appointment of a similar working group with corresponding terms of reference. The working group should be asked to prepare a realistic plan of action and set specific targets to be achieved during the coming four year period. In order to attain this goal and give further impetus to the initiative, all national and special members from industrialised and developed countries should be urged to make contributions in the form of human, material or financial resources to be used for the purposes laid down in the terms of reference of the working group.
E. Resolution on the involvement of regions in decisions affecting them. Background and ideology: The WBU recognises the need to respect the autonomy of regional unions and the principle of involving the consumers in all decision-making processes.
Action: No programmes or projects should be undertaken/implemented in any developing region without involving the region concerned in the decision-making and implementation process of such programmes/projects.
F. Resolution on the adoption of the image of “a person walking with a white cane” as the official international symbol of blindness.
Background and ideology: The image of a person walking with a white cane has, for a long time, been used by a number of organisations in various countries to symbolise the right of blind and partially sighted people to lead an independent and fulfilling life. The same symbol has been adopted by the Universal Postal Union to denote literature for the blind.
Action: The same image should be adopted by the WBU as the official international symbol of blindness.
2. Resolutions on copyright and access to information in alternate format.
A. The main resolution.
Background and ideology: Access to information is a fundamental right, recognised in Article 19 of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and implemented through free library services for all citizens in many developed and developing countries. The fundamental rights of blind people are therefore denied when access to the same information, freely available to the general public, is prevented by copyright regulations. It is not a contravention of copyright to make already published information accessible to those unable to read ordinary print because of a disability.
Action: The WBU should call on the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), UNESCO and owners of copyrights to endorse the above principles in their respective publications and co-operate in the formulation of detailed national and international legislation which will afford full and equitable access by blind and partially sighted people to all copyright-protected material. B. Resolution with supplementary provisions.
The WBU should work to achieve international agreements and national legislation to:
a. remove all barriers to the free flow of information which has been presented and modified in a manner to make it accessible to visually impaired readers.
b. grant, protect and enforce visually impaired people’s rights to equitable access to all published information.
c. enshrine rights rather than establish complicated procedures for permission.
d. avoid restriction to particular formats or technologies.
e. achieve general acceptance and recognition of the principle that creation of alternative format versions from lawfully acquired originals on a non-profit basis with controlled distribution, does not constitute an infringement of copyright and therefore requires no permission.
3. Resolutions on Braille and literacy.
A. Declaration of January 4th as “World Braille Day”.
Background and ideology: Braille has been an effective means of communication for people who are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted ever since it was invented in Paris, France, by Louis Braille. It has served as a building block to literacy, independence and successful employment and provided a key to intellectual freedom, personal security and equality and social and economic opportunity for blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted people.
Action: In order to publicise and attain due recognition of Braille as an indispensable means of communication for blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted people, the WBU should do its utmost to prevail upon the 11 UN agencies to declare January 4th, the birthday of Louis Braille, as “World Braille Day”.
B. Resolution on the establishment of a World Braille Council. Background and ideology: Braille remains the primary literacy medium for blind people and new technology makes the production of Braille faster and cheaper. At the same time, globalisation makes international and inter-lingual exchange of information more achievable. There are therefore benefits to be achieved through compatibility of the common elements of Braille codes used among different linguistic groups, e.g. punctuation. At the moment, there is no existing mechanism to facilitate communication between various Braille authorities at the inter-lingual level in spite of the obvious need for an identified and authoritative point of reference in Braille within the World Blind Union.
Action:
a. To establish a World Braille Council consisting of: 1 representative of each of the linguistic-based Braille standards bodies and any other representation that the officers may decide.
b. That this World Council should report to every officer’s meeting.
4. Resolution on indigenous people.
Background and ideology: The incidence of blindness and other forms of disability is significantly higher among indigenous people than in the rest of the population. Those indigenous people who are blind or partially sighted have unique cultural and linguistic needs. However, their situation has not been understood. They have suffered discrimination and been marginalised both economically and socially. In recognition of these facts, the WBU has decided to appoint a standing committee on indigenous people.
Action:
a. The WBU should adopt the following definition of indigenous people: “those people who were native to a land prior to colonisation by other cultures and were deprived of the right to govern themselves and be properly represented internationally”.
b. The WBU should prepare concrete terms of reference for the work of the Committee on Indigenous People, including routines for reporting back to the WBU officers at regular intervals. c. The WBU should organise forums in conjunction with future General Assemblies to examine and develop strategies for dealing with issues affecting blind and partially sighted indigenous people.
d. The WBU Committee on Indigenous People should be guided by the following general policy statement: The WBU should endeavour to promote the development of partnerships which will foster dialogue, build understanding, explore ways of advancing reconciliation and addressing economic and social problems affecting indigenous people in a united effort which respects the land, values the indigenous heritage, language and culture and provides justice and equality for all. Furthermore, the WBU should promote the sharing of information and resources and build upon successful and sustainable outcomes which improve the lives of blind and partially sighted indigenous people.
5. Resolutions on gender equality and equity.
A. Resolution on sexual abuse and mental and physical harassment of blind and partially sighted women.
Background and ideology: It is a fact that women who are blind or partially sighted are often exposed to sexual abuse and mental and physical harassment.
Action: The WBU should urge its member organisations and governments around the world to promote public awareness of this serious problem and instruct its officers to work with national authorities to eradicate this abuse and harassment.
B. Resolution on gender equality in UN documents.
Background and ideology: The United Nation’s Standard Rules and other UN documents on human rights exhibit a lack of gender equality and fail to address issues, specific to women and girls. However, the UN Standard Rules will be evaluated before 2002, and other human rights instruments, such as a disability convention, may be initiated.
Action: The WBU should urge that all relevant UN documents on disability incorporate the principles of gender equality.
C. Resolution on gender equality in WBU leadership. Background and ideology: The WBU has achieved significantly increased participation of women at both global and regional levels. Despite these achievements, women are still underrepresented in WBU leadership although blind and partially sighted women make up more than half of the blind population.
Action: The WBU, its regional unions and affiliated organisations should continue efforts to initiate and implement measures to increase gender equity.
D. Resolution on access to employment for blind and partially sighted women.
Background and ideology: Blind and partially sighted women have still not achieved full and equal opportunities to compete for employment with blind and partially sighted men and sighted men and women.
Action: The WBU should urge governments to enact laws enabling equal access to employment for blind and partially sighted women.
E. Resolution on infanticide of blind and partially sighted female children.
Background and ideology: It is a fact that infanticide of blind and partially sighted female children still occurs.
Action: The WBU should condemn this practice and urge governments to take measures to eliminate it.
F. Resolution on young people’s role in assisting elderly blind and partially sighted women.
Background and ideology: Many elderly blind and partially sighted women are neglected and live in isolation. Young people could play an important role in alleviating such isolation.
Action: The WBU should encourage affiliated organisations to promote awareness among young people about the important role they may play in improving the quality of life of elderly blind and partially sighted women.
G. Resolution on education and training of blind and partially sighted women. Background and ideology: In many regions, blind and partially sighted girls and women are deprived of their basic human rights of education, training and rehabilitation.
Action: The WBU and its members should urge governments:
a. To enact legislation to make education compulsory for blind and partially sighted girls and women, and if institutions do not comply with such legislation, they should be subject to legal action.
b. to endorse the right of any nation to establish the educational programmes they deem appropriate.
c. to establish appropriate training and rehabilitation programmes for blind and partially sighted women in order that they may achieve personal and economic independence.
H. Resolution on sexual abuse and mental and physical harassment in schools for the blind and partially sighted.
Background and ideology: It is a fact that sexual abuse and mental and physical harassment still occur in some schools for the blind and partially sighted.
Action: The WBU should urge governments to take measures to eliminate such abuse, while maintaining appropriate educational programmes for blind and partially sighted girls.
I. Resolution on access to information for blind and partially sighted girls and women.
Background and ideology: Blind and partially sighted girls and women do not have equal access to information.
Action: The WBU should work with governments, educational institutions and information providers to ensure access to information in alternative formats, such as large print, Braille, electronic and recorded materials.
J. Resolution on the cultural approach to education and rehabilitation of blind and partially sighted women. Background and ideology: The WBU respects the distinctive nature and cultural background of each country.
Action: The WBU should urge governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to adopt culturally appropriate approaches to the education and rehabilitation of blind and partially sighted girls and women.
K. Resolution on the future scheduling of WBU conferences and seminars.
Background and ideology: Blind and partially sighted women have the right to participate in all programmes sanctioned by the WBU.
Action: The WBU officers should ensure that future ancillary conferences and seminars are scheduled so that they do not conflict with the women’s forum.
L. Resolution on equal pay for work of equal value.
Background and ideology: Blind and partially sighted women do not always receive equal pay for work of equal value.
Action: The WBU should urge governments to enact and enforce legislation ensuring equal pay for work of equal value.
6. Resolutions on Socio-economic developments.
A. Resolution on socio-economic rights of blind and partially sighted people.
Background and ideology: Blind and partially sighted people throughout the world have special needs which must be taken into account if they are to achieve their rightful participation and integration in all activities of society. For this to happen, they must remain independent from cross disability movements.
Action: The World Blind Union should:
a. conduct an audit of services in each country belonging to the Union with a view to make more developed countries act as partners and mentors to less developed countries, b. encourage governments world-wide to adopt legislation to protect the socio-economic rights of blind and partially sighted persons of full participation in education and employment and of access to knowledge and information and to all other benefits of citizenship,
c. encourage service providers to include blind and partially sighted consumers in decision-making processes regarding all services designed for their benefit.
B. Resolution on employment training programmes for blind and partially sighted people.
Background and ideology: Globalisation and liberalisation of economies have led to far-reaching changes in the job market. At the same time, rapid changes and advances in technology have resulted in a general decline of job opportunities. For those who are engaged in the job placement work of blind and partially sighted persons, the changes in work processes and technology pose a formidable challenge to at least maintain the existing level of employment rate. The situation is made even worse by the fact that most of the training programmes do not match the job requirements of available jobs in the market.
Action: The WBU and its regional unions should undertake a study of the existing training programmes and emerging trends in the job market with a view to ascertain the relevance of respective training programmes, and, when necessary, persuade governments to re-structure their training programmes, making them compatible with the requirements of the job market.
C. Resolution on the protection of jobs of blind and partially sighted employees.
Background and ideology: As a consequence of globalisation and liberalisation of economies, particularly in countries with mixed or state controlled economies, the public sector is rapidly being disinvested or privatised which is likely to result in a reduction of employees in this sector. In this situation blind and partially sighted employees are especially vulnerable due to the already existing resistance and prejudice with regard to their efficiency. Action: The WBU should urge the governments of its member countries to formulate suitable policies to ensure the protection of the jobs of blind and partially sighted employees.
7. Resolutions on UN bodies.
A. Resolution on allocation of UN resources for measures to assist blind and partially sighted people.
Background and ideology: Various UN bodies such as UNICEF etc. have substantial financial resources which they invest for development programmes in UN member countries in consultation with the respective governments. However, so far these bodies have not included the blind and partially sighted or the disabled in general in their programmes.
Action: The WBU Committee on UN Matters and the WBU regional unions should do their utmost to make UN bodies allocate resources for blind and partially sighted persons in their programmes at all levels.
B. Resolution on the protection of blind and partially sighted people in developing countries against reductions in the social sector.
Background and ideology: Government funding and subsidies to the social sector are being drastically cut, especially in developing countries, due to the irreversible trend of globalisation of economies. This may adversely affect service programmes and social security measures for persons with disabilities in general and blind and partially sighted people in particular.
Action: The World Blind Union should initiate an effective and meaningful dialogue with bodies such as the World Bank and IMF which influence the economic policies of developing countries, to ensure that programmes of blind and partially sighted people are not effected by the reduced government funding to social security measures and the social sector in general.
C. Resolution on measures to ensure human rights for blind and partially sighted people.
Background and ideology: There is a special supplement to the “Universal Declaration on Human Rights of All Citizens” regarding disabled people. There are also other international instruments granting civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights to all without discrimination of any kind. Furthermore, there are international covenants and conventions for the protection of the rights of children and women. There is also a mechanism in place both at international and national levels for the enforcement of these declarations, covenants and conventions, and there is a strong NGO movement to ensure that the mechanism functions in accordance with its purpose. Even so, the violation of human rights in case of disabled persons has not been included in the work of UN bodies and NGOs in spite of the fact that blind and partially sighted people are subject to violation and discrimination with regard to social and economic rights.
Action: The WBU should establish an appropriate mechanism to ensure the inclusion of human rights issues of blind and partially sighted people into the work of all agencies and NGOs dealing with human rights. Furthermore, the WBU should launch a campaign through its regional unions to create awareness about human rights instruments and remedies and strategies to fight the violation of human rights.
D. Resolution on co-operation with ILO.
Background and ideology: ILO is an important UN agency consisting of representatives of trade unions, employers and governments. Due to globalisation and liberalisation of economies, the job market is becoming more competitive and restrictive.
Action: The World Blind Union and its regional unions should work more closely with ILO to initiate an effective and meaningful dialogue with employers to promote employment of the blind and partially sighted.
E. Resolution on postal services to the blind and partially sighted.
Background and ideology: E-mail is becoming an effective means of communication and an indispensable key to information. The conveying of literature in special formats free of charge by the postal services to blind and partially sighted people in a large number of countries has been of great significance in their struggle for equality and full participation in society. The Universal Postal Union has proved that it is aware of the requirements of blind and partially sighted people.
Action: The WBU should urge The Universal Postal Union to prevail upon its members to make e-mail services in accessible formats available as a public service without extra cost to blind and partially sighted persons in both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, The Universal Postal Union should be urged to continue to use its influence over its members to ensure that no change is made in its policy regarding the sending of literature in formats for the blind free of charge nationally and between countries.
F. Resolution on the integration of issues related to blind and partially sighted people into programmes and workshops of agencies.
Background and ideology: UN agencies and other international bodies undertake programmes and organise workshops on subjects which are the responsibilities of the agencies concerned. It is a fact that these programmes and workshops do not focus on issues concerning blind and partially sighted people.
Action: The WBU and its regional unions should seize the opportunity to get issues relating to blind and partially sighted people integrated into those programmes and workshops.
8. Resolution on low vision.
Background and ideology: According to the World Health Organisation and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, 12% of the estimated 45 million blind persons and 35% of the estimated 135 million persons with significant visual impairment in the world, at the beginning of this millennium, suffer from correctable refractive error. The WHO and the IAPB recognise that, if decisive action is taken to develop appropriate refractive and low vision services, much of this blindness and visual impairment can be alleviated.
Action: The national members of the WBU are urged to campaign for refractive services and low vision care to be affordable and widely available to all citizens who might benefit through the reduction of visual impairment. The WBU should work closely with IAPB and the Vision 2020 initiative to promote the development of affordable, accessible refractive and low vision services as an essential component of all national eye care programmes.