U.N. states adopt first ever anti-smoking treaty

REUTERS ^ | 21 May 2003 | REUTERS

[TLBSHOW]

U.N. states adopt first ever anti-smoking treaty

GENEVA, May 21 (Reuters) - The 192 member countries of the World Health Organisation on Wednesday adopted the world's first anti-smoking treaty aimed at breaking a habit that kills nearly five million people every year.

The following are highlights from the 38-article treaty which was approved unanimously by the World Health Assembly, the annual meeting of the organisation's members.

PREAMBLE

The treaty expresses serious concern at the increase in the worldwide consumption and production of cigarettes and other tobacco products, particularly in developing countries.

It recognises that scientific evidence has shown that tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke cause death, disease and disability and that cigarettes and some other tobacco products are highly engineered to create and maintain dependence.

PRICES AND TAXES

Although it does not call for outright increases, it says tax and pricing policies should "contribute to the reduction of tobacco consumption". Duty-free sales should be banned or restricted.

SECOND-HAND SMOKE

States should take steps to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke in indoor workplaces, public transport and indoor public places.

LABELLING

Within three years, all states should ensure that packaging and labelling do not create the "false impression" that certain products are less harmful. Such labelling "may" include terms like "light" or "mild". Health warnings should cover no less than 30 percent of a pack.

ADVERTISING

Providing that their constitutions allow it, states should ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, including cross-border publicity, within five years. Those countries that cannot impose bans for constitutional reasons should impose restrictions.

SALES TO MINORS

Must be banned and vending machines must not be accessible to minors.

LIABILITY

States should adopt laws dealing with "criminal and civil liability, including compensation where appropriate" and should exchange information on their laws and judicial actions.

FUNDING

States should cooperate to raise financial resources for effective implementation of the convention through bilateral and multilateral funding mechanisms but is no special funding is established.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

WTF business is it of the United Nations if people smoke?

[TLBSHOW]

You would have to ask Tommy Thompson and the Republicans.

.....


U.S. Shocks with Promise to Back Anti-Smoking Pact

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States said Sunday it would fully support a global anti-smoking treaty at this week's world health meeting, startling observers by dropping its objections to the pact.

"I'm going to support it -- much to the surprise of many around the world," U.S. Health Secretary Tommy Thompson told journalists on the eve of the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual assembly.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/913738/posts

[MissouriForBush]

I am a non-smoker myself, but respect the rights of others to have a cigarette whenever they want one.

This is another insane, outrageous, ridiculous UN "policy."

What will they ban next -- blonde highlights that pose a "chemical health hazard?"

[Principled]

The UN views the US in the same light that republicans view libertarians.

[SAJ]

Uh, yo, Tommy, you RINO swine, please note:

NOT binding until ratified by the Senate -- estimate the chances of that, putznagel.

Geez, we're back in the Clintoon years, more symbolism over substance. Well, since W is starting to clean house (bye-bye Christy, you bleep), how about pinkslipping Tommy and braindead Mineta next?

[azhenfud]

Shelion,
Had to ping you on this one.
Just more attacks on personal freedom - and from all places, the U.N. - the advocate of "human rights".

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Tommy Thompson and Christine Todd Whitman are peas in a pod, but at least Christine is gone.

I hope when she comes back to politics she does it as a DEMONcRAT.

[FairOpinion]

Why aren't they spending their energy stopping the diseases in Africa, not to mention massacres, like the ones in Congo, insteadof tryingto meddle in individual's personal business? Wouldn't that be more appropriate for a world body, like the UN?


280 Multilated Bodies Found in Eastern Congolese Town

http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=8CD92810-4B19-40AF-9C0BB5D85D0CF944

[Jaded]

Yes, it would but they'd have to actually think and set goals and work at something. It would scare them. Functioning brain cells would give them headaches and then there would be more non-thinking treaties because OTC meds are a health hazard.


beam me up, now!