Overview to WHO FCTC

and Articles 17&18 and its

impact on the Tobacco

Sector

Antonio Abrunhosa

Mercedes Vázquez

FCTC

Framework

Convention on

Tobacco Control

FCTC

1. FCTC: The first global world treaty adopted by the

WHO in May 2003. Entered into force in May 2005;

2.  Ratified by 174 countries;

3. Objective: “to reduce continually and substantially the

prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco

smoke.”

4. The implementation of the various articles is pushed

forward by guidelines.

FCTC Articles: Process 2010

2011

Art. 9&10

Discussions in Working Groups

Art. 9&10

Deadline for Parties to submit comments

Art. 9&10

Deadline for Parties to

submit comments

CoP4 Nov.

15-20

Informal working

group on a protocol to eliminate illicit

trade on tobacco products

Second meeting of

the working group with exact dates to

be confirmed

2012

Art. 9&10 / 17&18

Discussions OF Working Groups

New text on Art.

17&18 to be circulated

CoP5 Nov.

15-20

Final Doc.

on Art. 17&18

FCTC Articles 9&10

!  The treaty contains 38 articles, some of them related

closely to tobacco growing.

!  Articles are generally broad and vague.

! Guidelines are developed to provide specific details on

how countries should implement the articles

FCTC Articles 17&18

A shift in Focus

•  From research on the negative effects of tobacco

growing……

•  …..to the development of economically viable

alternative livelihoods to tobacco growing

FCTC Articles 17&18

no comparison with other crops

•  No assessment of the pollution, environmental

degradation, poverty and disease caused by other

crops or industries.

•  Total disregard of evidence provided by eminent

institutions such as World Bank, FAO and other UN agencies or local ministries comparing tobacco to

other crops.

FCTC Articles 17&18

No assesment of alternative

livelihood

•  The problem is not to grow another crop instead of

tobacco, but to find another crop or activity with:

"  a ready market

"  same level of income as tobacco

"  same level of employment

•  No mechanism of support to switch to alternatives

FCTC Articles 17&18-Tobacco Growers excluded from

dialogue

•  Despite the claim that growers should be involved,

the FCTC excludes tobacco growers from dialogue

•  According to the FCTC the only growers who might

be involved are disgruntled tobacco farmers

representing a tiny minority of the class (public hearing in Brazilia experience)

Conference of the Parties Nov 2010:

Guidelines

Guidelines were discussed and partially approved on

the composition of tobacco products (articles 9 and 10);

Recommendations were made for alternative

livelihoods to tobacco growing (articles 17 and 18);

A new working group was created to work on taxation

(article 6);

Strong presence of non-Parties as very vocal

observers.