WHO FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL (WHO FCTC)

The WHO FCTC was adopted unanimously by the World Health Assembly on 23 May 2003. The treaty is open for signature till 29 June 2003. A minimum of 40 countries must sign and ratify the WHO FCTC before it enters into force. The WHO FCTC then formally becomes an international agreement. Within a year of entering into force, a subsidiary body - the Conference of the Parties - will begin meeting to review national reports, provide further guidance on proper implementation of the WHO FCTC, initiate protocol negotiations and promote the mobilization of financial resources.

Action on TFI and the WHO FCTC in South-East Asia Region

A Regional Policy Framework on Tobacco Control and a Plan of Action 2000 – 2004 was adopted at the 52nd Regional Committee meeting, to guide country actions for tobacco control in SEA Region. The Regional Committee also adopted a resolution (SEA/RC52/R7) that urges Member States to:

      Constitute a multi-sectoral national council to facilitate nationwide tobacco control activities.

      Adopt and strengthen policies that will reduce tobacco consumption, particularly among women, children and the poor.

      Dedicate a portion of taxes earned on tobacco products for tobacco control activities.

      Regulate nicotine not used for therapeutic purposes as a controlled drug.

      Actively participate in the development and negotiation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and related protocols.

      Promote Regional advocacy for policy change through inter-country activities such as the SEAAT Flame.

Regional Office for South-East Asia contribution to the WHO FCTC process in the Region

The WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia will contribute to the WHO FCTC process by:

      Providing technical information on taxation, marketing, litigation, agricultural diversification, international trade and other trans-national issues such as smuggling and cross border advertising on tobacco control and in relation to WHO FCTC.

      Providing technical and financial support to countries to carry out relevant research and develop appropriate fiscal and legislative policies.

      Supporting the development of national plans of action to enhance tobacco control and enable participation in the WHO FCTC process and its adoption by member countries.

      Promoting model prevention and cessation interventions in member countries.

      Intensifying Inter-Regional Collaboration within WHO to strengthen activities related to tobacco control and development of the WHO FCTC.

      Intensifying advocacy in regional organizations such a SAARC and ASEAN, on issues related to tobacco.

      Collaborating with other UN agencies and other bilateral donors on issues related to tobacco control, TFI and the WHO FCTC.

      Initiating collaboration with NGOs and the Media for tobacco control, TFI and the adoption and implementation of the WHO FCTC.

      Monitoring the progress of countries on the WHO FCTC process by using the SEARO Regional Tobacco Surveillance Template.

BACKGROUND TO THE WHO FCTC

In May 2000, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution which formally launched the political negotiations which commenced the 16 to 21 October 2000 in Geneva, Switzerland. At the first session of negotiations, Member States elected Ambassador Amorim of Brazil Chairman of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, as well as vice chairs from Australia, India, Iran, South Africa, Turkey, and the United States. Substantive matters were addressed in the Plenary and three technical working groups were established. Resolution WHA 53.16 of the 53rd World Health Assembly paved the way for the start of negotiations of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Formal negotiations of the treaty commenced with the convening of the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body by the Director-General, from 16 to 21 October 2000. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body is open to participation by all WHO Member States, regional economic integration organizations, and observers (as specified in Resolution WHA 52.18). The Negotiating Body is charged with the responsibility for negotiating the text of the Convention and possible related protocols.

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