PHA-Exchange> 106 countries ratify Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (fwd)

[claudio at hcmc.netnam.vn]

 from Vern Weitzel <vern.weitzel at undp.org> -----

Today, November 8th is the deadline for countries to ratify the Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control treaty in order to participate in setting policy
on the treaty's implementation in February 2006.

On November 7, Ireland brought the number of countries that have ratified the
treaty to 106.  These 106 nations will form the treaty's governing body, called
the Conference of the Parties, and will meet for the first time February 6-17,
2006, in Geneva, Switzerland.  These countries will discuss and make decisions
regarding implementation, funding and enforcement of the treaty.

The Convention seeks to protect present and future generations from the
devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco
consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke by providing a framework for tobacco
control measures.

The Convention's provisions set international standards on tobacco price and tax
increases, tobacco advertising and sponsorship, labeling, illicit trade and
second-hand tobacco smoke, among others.  The treaty also sets forth a
requirement to cooperate with other Parties on scientific research and technical
assistance.

ProCOR congratulates the 106 countries, representing two-thirds of the world's
population, which have ratified the treaty. These countries include major
tobacco producing nations such as China and Japan; countries with strong
domestic tobacco control policies, such as Thailand, Australia and Norway; and
countries hoping to use the treaty to improve laws and regulations, such as
France and Mexico.

Ratification and effective implementation of the treaty are critical to turning
the tide of the global tobacco epidemic. Tobacco use kills nearly five million
people worldwide every year. If current trends continue, it will kill 10 million
a year by the year 2020, with 70 percent of those deaths in developing nations.

http://www.fctc.org/

http://releases.usnewswire.com/



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