The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control WHO

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Dr Tibor Szilágyi Convention Secretariat WHO FCTC szilagyit@who. int 1

THE WHO FCTC • First Public Health Treaty under WHO • Aim protect present and future generations from the consequences of tobacco • Unique introduced urgency into tobacco control; negotiated; binding international law; comprehensive approach 2

THE FCTC MILESTONES • 1996 – WHA 49. 17 call for an “International Framework Convention on Tobacco Control” • 1999 – WHA 52. 18 sets up INB; drafting of Chair’s text • 2000 – formal negotiations begin (6 INBs) • 2003 Feb – last INB (till late) • 2003 May 21 – WHA adopts the FCTC! • 2003 June – open for signatures • 2004 November 29 – 40 ratifications LAW! (Armenia & Ghana ) 3

THE FCTC MILESTONES… 2 • 2005 February 27 – entry into force (90 days after 40 ratifications) • 2005 November 3 – 100 Parties! • 2006 February 6 -17 – First Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 1) Geneva • 2007 June 30 -July 6 – Second Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 2) Bangkok • 2008 November 17 -22 – Third Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 3) Durban • 2010 November 15 -20 – Fourth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 4) Uruguay 4

STATUS OF THE WHO FCTC • 168 Parties (169 Tunisia*) • All countries – UN members are automatically observers to COP • 26 IGOs and 50 NGOs are observers • 5 th anniversary marked from Feb 2010. 5

WHAT IS THE WHO FCTC • First global public health treaty negotiated under WHO • Treaty by governments (not Mo. H) – based on consensus • International law – rights and obligations • Comprehensive tool for effective & sustainable global tobacco control 6

HOW IS IT UNIQUE • Legal dimension – obligations • Comprehensive approach – Demand reduction – Supply reduction – Counteracting industry – International cooperation • Multi-sectoral approach • Guidelines – through consensus • Reporting mechanism – information sharing and compliance 7

ORGANS OF THE WHO FCTC • CONFERENCE OF PARTIES – every year to COP 3 then every 2 years. • BUREAU OF THE CONFERENCE OF PARTIES – management advice. • THE CONVENTION SECRETARIAT – supports the implementation of the WHO FCTC. 8

ACHIEVEMENTS 1. Establishment of Permanent Convention Secretariat (June 2007) 2. Adoption of guidelines: – – Article 5. 3 (Protection of public health policies with respect to tobacco control from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry) Article 8 (Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke) Article 11 (Packaging and labelling of tobacco products) Article 13 (Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship) 9

ACHIEVEMENTS… 2 3. Reporting mechanism adopted – sharing of information – annual summary reports 4. Negotiations of a protocol initiated (on illicit trade in tobacco products) 5. Working groups currently elaborating guidelines for: – – a) Articles 9&10 (contents and disclosures) b) Article 12 (Education and public awareness) c) Article 14 (Cessation) d) Articles 17&18 (Alternative livelihoods) 6. Needs assessment - implementation assistance 10

SUMMARY • The WHO FCTC ratified by the whole government – equal obligation! • Urgent action on tobacco control – not business as usual! • Comprehensive approach – beyond public health; based on priorities! • International law – binding to Parties • Obligation – whole treaty! 11

www. who. int/fctc 12