UN Committee Endorses Global Declaration on Braille Literacy

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has voiced its support for the ICEVI – WBU Global Declaration on Braille Literacy. This endorsement was announced at the conclusion of the CRPD's 35th session, which wrapped up on August 27, 2026. The declaration, a joint effort by the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) and the World Blind Union (WBU), underscores the critical importance of Braille literacy in the empowerment and education of visually impaired individuals globally.

The CRPD consists of 18 experts who are tasked with monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and their backing of this declaration highlights the essential role Braille plays in accessibility and worldwide educational inclusion initiatives. This move aligns with broader efforts to ensure equal opportunities for visually impaired people within educational systems, job markets, and society at large.