WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

WHO treaty supports measures to reduce demand for tobacco

Significant measures to reduce the demand for tobacco, that are supported by the FCTC include:

• price and tax measures;
• protection from exposure to tobacco smoke, particularly in workplaces, public transport and indoor public places;
• regulation of the contents of tobacco products;
• regulation of tobacco product disclosures;
• packaging and labelling of tobacco products, requiring large health warning labels and prohibiting the use of deceptive labels such as "light", "low tar", and "mild";
• education, communication, training and public awareness;
• tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Countries are to undertake a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship within five years of ratifying the treaty if their constitutions allow this. If there are constitutional constraints, countries are required to put restrictions in place; and
• demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation.

WHO treaty also supports measures to reduce the supply of tobacco

The FCTC also supports measures to reduce the supply of tobacco. These include:

• illicit trade in tobacco products (smuggling);
• sales to and by minors, and
• provision of support for economically viable alternative activities.

Supportive measures must be taken at national level as well

By signing the treaty, countries also commit themselves to take supportive measures at national level. Key examples of these measures are:

• the establishment of a national coordinating mechanism or focal point for tobacco control;
• the inclusion of tobacco cessation services in national health programmes, and
• promoting the participation of NGOs in the development of national tobacco control programmes.

Economic and Social Council calls for tobacco control measure

Under the UN Charter, identifying solutions to international social and health problems falls within the remit of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Their Resolution 2004/62 on Tobacco Control supports the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (ECOSOC, 2004). It urges UN Member States to strengthen tobacco control measures and programmes.