< strong > MiCultura attests and attests to University Library as first authorized entity under the Treaty of Marrakech for the benefit of people with visual disabilities < / strong >

The Minister of Culture, Giselle González Villarrué gave to the rector of the University of Panama, Eduardo Flores Castro the resolution that converts to the system of libraries of the UP, through his Biblioteca Interamericano Simón Bolívar, as the first entity that has been certified and accredited as an authorized entity under the Treaty of Marrakech in the Republic of Panama, thus leading to its implementation.

That certification by the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) means that the library and its Braille Section are accredited and authorized to adapt to different text formats that require users with visual disabilities or with Braille, audio and digitalised systems.

The incumbent of Culture stated that this certification "constitutes a milestone, not only for the University of Panama but for the country with regard to the inclusion of the population with disabilities, especially with visual disabilities."

With this certification, Minister González Villarrué stated that "the door has been opened to a diversity that allows people with visual disabilities to have access to an infinity of books, not only those in the library but an exchange with libraries that have been certified with globally authorized entities."

He added that this certification confirms the right to read not only what's there but to read what's wanted and with this MiCultura, from the copyright and opportunity matching management is complying with democratic access to cultural life to books and knowledge.

For his part, Roxana Alemán, who has visual impairment and who is head of the Braille Section of the Simon Bolívar library, emphasized that certification "allows us to continue to adapt the books in formats that are accessible to people with visual disabilities, who will now have more national and international visibility.

He added that with this certification they will also have an opportunity to conduct cross-border exchanges with institutions from other countries that are also certified entities and to implement the Marrakech treaty by benefiting people with visual disabilities.

The rector of the UP, Eduardo Flores expressed his thanks to Minister González Villarrué for his certification and called on the public to avail itself of the opportunities that this decision offers to expand knowledge in different areas.