Intergovernmental Body To Negotiate A Protocol On Illicit Trade In Tobacco Products

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 17 Oct 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Six hundred delegates from more than 150 countries are expected in Geneva next week to negotiate the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) protocol aimed at counteracting the illegal trade in tobacco products. Illicit trade in tobacco contributes to the rise in tobacco consumption and poses a serious threat to health. Based on recent estimates, tobacco would kill more than 5 million people this year, which is greater than the combined deaths due to TB, AIDS and malaria.

Illicit tobacco trade also contributes to the rise of organized crime, tobacco smuggling, illicit manufacturing and counterfeiting. Every year, it has been estimated that US $ 50 billion in tax revenue is lost for governments.

For journalists: Journalists are welcome to observe the opening of the session and all the public discussions from the press balcony. Closed sessions are restricted and therefore not open to the media. It is anticipated that much of the sessions will be open. Video cameramen and photographers may work from the floor but must leave promptly once the meeting is called to order.

WHO: The Convention Secretariat and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products attendees. The INB includes delegates from ministries and agencies for health, trade, customs, finance, justice and related areas of expertise from Parties to the WHO FCTC. Also expected are international intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations accredited as observers to the Conference of the Parties, as well as States that are not yet Parties to the WHO FCTC.

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body held its first session (INB 1) in February 2008. The negotiations were put on track and the main principles and areas of the Protocol outlined.

At the upcoming session (INB 2), the Parties to the convention will discuss the Chairperson's text which will serve as the basis for the negotiations.

WHEN: Monday 20 October 2008 at 14:30 pm, through Saturday 25 October 2008 at 13:00 pm.

WHERE: International Conference Center of Geneva (CICG), Rue de Varembé 17, Geneva

All WHO (World Health Organization) documentation for this meeting can be found at www.who.int/gb/fctc