Parliament Approves Seven Global Agreements on Copyright, Culture and Accessibility

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has approved seven international agreements aimed at strengthening copyright protection, promoting cultural development, and improving access to information, particularly for persons with disabilities.

The agreements were presented to Parliament on Tuesday, 14th July 2026, by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alpha Sesay Esq., and subsequently ratified on Thursday, 23rd July 2026.

The approved treaties include the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (2012), Marrakech Treaty (2013) on access to published works for visually impaired persons, Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, Brussels Convention, Madrid Agreement, Geneva Convention, and the Rome Convention.

Presenting the agreements, Attorney General Alpha Sesay said the ratifications will strengthen the rights of creators, ensure fair compensation for intellectual works, and bring Sierra Leone closer to international standards on intellectual property protection.

He highlighted the Marrakech Treaty as a major step towards inclusion, explaining that it will allow improved access to books and other published materials for blind and partially sighted persons through accessible formats.

The treaty will also provide a legal framework for the production and cross-border exchange of such materials.

On the Berne Convention, the Minister noted that although Sierra Leone is not yet a member, several of its provisions are already contained in the Copyright Act of 2011. He said joining the convention would further enhance protection for Sierra Leonean authors and creators internationally.

During the parliamentary debate, lawmakers welcomed the move, with Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin of Bo District calling for greater public awareness about the importance of the treaties.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, described the ratification as critical for global integration and intellectual property protection.

He said the Marrakech Treaty would help address discrimination against visually impaired persons, while the Rome and Geneva Conventions would strengthen protection for performers and the entertainment industry.

Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, said the agreements demonstrate Sierra Leone’s commitment to protecting cultural works and promoting fair competition. He also called for stronger measures against piracy and plagiarism, while urging continued sensitisation on copyright protection.

The ratified agreements will now proceed through the process of domestication into Sierra Leone’s national laws, as government continues efforts to strengthen the country’s intellectual property framework.