Tobacco Menace

GLOBAL TOBACCO CONTROL TREATY
INDIAN WINNERS GEAR UP FOR THE THIRD ROUND

The Indian delegation won the Orchid Award for their progressive stand at the second round of negotiations on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Geneva in April 2001, while the US delegation was awarded the Dirty Ash Tray Award for dragging its feet on this significant public health treaty.

The Orchid Award signifies positive contributions to tobacco control while the Dirty Ash Tray Award goes to those who promote tobacco interests. The Awards have been instituted by the Framework Convention Alliance, an international coalition of non-governmental organizations, advocating for a strong treaty.

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is an international public health treaty proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for curbing rapidly increasing tobacco-related diseases globally. In 1998, for the first time in its history, the WHO invoked its prerogative to frame international conventions on health matters in order to address the transnational tobacco control issues amongst its 191 Members States. The treaty is being negotiated through the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which was established by the World Health Assembly through resolution WHA 52.18 in 1988. The key issues addressed in this treaty include Tobacco Advertising and Promotion, Smuggling, Packaging and Reporting, Research and Surveillance that are beyond the regulatory scope of individual countries.

With the tobacco industry exploring ways to lure new smokers it is imperative for countries in the South East Asia Region to take a firm stand on the various clauses of the FCTC to protect public health.

At the Third Round of negotiations of the INB, held in Geneva from November 22 to November 28 in 2001, non-governmental organisations from the women's movement, youth groups, consumer activists and cancer care and prevention centers across the country have issued a joint declaration calling for deeper commitment from opinion leaders of nations favouring public health and well being over transient commercial gains. They have expressed hope that the Indian Government would continue to play a proactive role in leading the South-East Asian countries towards a strong FCTC.

For details contact:

Bejon Misra, Consumer Voice, Delhi. Tel: 9811044424 E-mail: consumeralert@id.eth.net

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