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Resolution 2008/5: The Global Tobacco Control

This poll is closed

Are you in support of Resolution: 2008/5?

Yes67%

No17%

Abstain17%

Total votes: 6

wackysparkle

14

Resolution Concerning Global Tobacco Control

Committee: The UNO
Submitted by: The World Health Organization

The General Assembly of The United Nations,

Deeply concerned that coutries are not maintaining the Global Tobacco measures.
Noting with deep concern that only 5% of the world's population live in countries that attempt to maintain at least one of the key measures advised by the WHO to reduce smoking,
Further noting 'governments around the world collect 500 times more money in tobacco taxes each year than they spend on anti-tobacco efforts',
Alarmed by the recent declaration that 80% of the annual 8+ million tobacco-related death projection by 2030 is reachable.
Further deploring that young people are targeted by the tobacco industry; young women in particular,
Noting with regret that 40% of countries allow smoking in schools in hospitals,
Alarmed by the notion that only 9 countries offer treatment for tobacco dependancy,.
Further deploring that 'Tobacco tax revenues are more than 4000 times greater than spending on tobacco control in middle-income countries and more than 9000 times greater in lower-income countries. High- income countries collect about 340 times more money in tobacco taxes than they spend on tobacco control.',
Noting with regret that statistics show that by the 2030 tobacco will be the leading cause of death - higher than deaths caused by HIV, Malaria, Automobile accidents, Tuberculosis, Maternal mortality, Homicides and Suicides as a whole,.
Deeply concerned that in African regions, tobacco usage is increasing by 4.3% each year,
Noting that 1 million tobacco-related deaths occur in South-East Asia every year out of the 4.9 million that occur globally,.

1. Calls for the nations to implement the six anti-smoking policies;
Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
Protect people from tobacco use
Offer help to quit tobacco use
Warn about the dangers of tobacco use
Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
Raise taxes on Tobacco use.

i. The MPOWER policies are attainable by any nation, despite economic status,

2. Reminds the nations of their commitment to the 2005 WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control treaty;

3. Reminds the members of the General Assembly of the WHO framework convention on tobacco control signed by all 192 members in 2003;

i. Article 3
"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 to be implemented by the Parties at the national, regional and international levels in order to reduce continually and substantially the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke"

ii. Article 5
"adopt and implement effective legislative, executive, administrative and/or other measures and cooperate, as appropriate, with other Parties in developing appropriate policies for preventing and reducing tobacco consumption, nicotine addiction and exposure to tobacco smoke"

iii. Article 8
"Each Party shall adopt and implement in areas of existing national jurisdiction as determined by national law and actively promote at other jurisdictional levels the adoption and implementation of effective legislative, executive, administrative and/or other measures, providing for protection from exposure to tobacco smoke in indoor workplaces, public transport, indoor public places and, as appropriate, other public places"

4. Approves of the practice of the EU directives related to occupational health and safety;

i. Requests that this EU legislation is practiced by all members of the tertiary sector

5. Congratulates Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Portugal, United Kingdom, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey on their practice of the WHO framework convention;

6. Further invites the nations to refer to Table 3, page 23 in 'Legislating for smoke-free workplaces' endorsed by the WHO for Europe.

i. Recognises the clear distincion between different regions regarding bans, restrictions and voluntary agreement

ii. Congratulates the United Kingdom for recognising tobacco control in all areas highlighted by the WHO

iii. Alarmed that Kyrgyzstan is the only nation not carrying out any type of tobacco prevention

iv. Appalled that Switzerland and the United Kingdom are the only 2 nations that recognise tobacco control through only 'voluntary agreement' regarding health care facilities

7. Reminds the nations that government facilities are also indoor workplaces and offices, and cannot be held at a higher importance when tobacco control is concerned.

i. With reference in particular to the Ukraine,

8. Proclaims that in 2006, 70% of European nations had enforced smoking bans in healthcare, educational and government facilities and 60% have banned smoking in public places;.

9. Draws the attention of the General Assembly to the fact that the hospitality sector needs to be considered strongly concerning tobacco control;

10. Congratulates Malta, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Sweden for their outstanding dedication to tobacco control seen in recent developments;

Reply 1

zav

14

Venezuela would like to reassure the WHO that we will be taking measures to combat smoking. As a nation with the support of our friends in Cuba we are advancing our heath care services and have created free treatment for all. We believe though that taxation of goods should be left up to governments to decide.

Reply 2

lodzinski

14

Russia would like to emphasise that reducing tobacco dependency is a long and slow process, as when dealing with any addiction, but reassures the WHO that we are taking steps to reduce the level of smoking in russia.

Reply 3

ukebert

13

Liechtenstein strongly believes that the control of tobacco is an important and relevant global concern, and one that needs to be adressed in a holistic fashion. As such we support this resolution.

Reply 4

wackysparkle

OP

14

zav

Venezuela would like to reassure the WHO that we will be taking measures to combat smoking. As a nation with the support of our friends in Cuba we are advancing our heath care services and have created free treatment for all. We believe though that taxation of goods should be left up to governments to decide.

Venezuela:
The WHO appreciates that Venezuela have taken tobacco control very seriously since 2005 when they signed the WHO framework convention for tobacco control - as seen with warnings on packaging and even banning tobacco adverts on transport systems.
However, the WHO would like to know why cigarette sales are still increasing despite these restrictions, as seen by an 8% increment in sales. Furthermore, illegal selling of cigarettes has increased by 7% since 2004.

Pressed with an alternative, The WHO can see that Venezuela do not comprehend the health-related issues connected with smoking as since the ban, the cigar sector is now increasing in sales. The idea that the cigar has become a 'fashion' icon is one that slowly needs to be abolished.

It is expected that by 2010 cigars will increase in sales as they are seen as a more fashionable and 'healthier' alternative to cigarettes - which defeats the initiatives that the WHO have created in the framework convention.

The WHO want to know what Venezuela's plans are to tackle this increasingly acute problem.

Reply 5

wackysparkle

OP

14

lodzinski

Venezuela would like to reassure the WHO that we will be taking measures to combat smoking. As a nation with the support of our friends in Cuba we are advancing our heath care services and have created free treatment for all. We believe though that taxation of goods should be left up to governments to decide.

Russia:
The WHO congratulates Russia on the implementation of their stringent legislation, which has seen a heavy tax concerning tobacco. However judging from this piece of research, it seems unlikely that this tax is seeing a promising future for Russia:

'Cigarette consumption stabilised and volume sales saw very moderate growth while cigarette production in Russia is growing by a greater extent due to investments in new facilities by both international players and leading Russian producers. During 2006, cigarette exports from Russia rose dramatically.'

Despite Russia's efforts, cigars and cigarillos are now being seen as an alternative to cigarettes - as seen in 2006, where sales increased. They are now being seen not only as a healthier alternative but also a fashionable one.

Sales are growing slowly due to purchasing power and the fashionable companies that drive this demand. It is said that consumers for these expensive products get a high income and are 40+ in age.

The WHO wishes to ask Russia how they are going to deal with these issues.
Firstly the taxation, and whether any improvements will be made, and if so how? Secondly, concerning consumers, how will they be informed or even directed towards the health hazards of smoking?
And most importantly, how will Russia deal with the impact that leading Russian companies are having on tobacco control, as they are most certainly not implementing the initiatives set by the WHO.

Reply 6

wackysparkle

OP

14

ukebert

Liechtenstein strongly believes that the control of tobacco is an important and relevant global concern, and one that needs to be adressed in a holistic fashion. As such we support this resolution.

Liechtenstein:
The WHO commends Liechtenstein for the following:
1. Article 20. 'Children and Young Persons Act'
i children and juveniles under the age of 17 must not...consume tobacco
ii children and juveniles may not even be given...tobacco if these are destined to someone else

2. Article 16. 'The Television and Radio Act'
i. Prevention of advertising tobacco without exception

However, the WHO are concerned as to how Liechtenstein is maintaining these regulations and would like to be informed.

Reply 7

ukebert

13

wackysparkle

Liechtenstein:
The WHO commends Liechtenstein for the following:
1. Article 20. 'Children and Young Persons Act'
i children and juveniles under the age of 17 must not...consume tobacco
ii children and juveniles may not even be given...tobacco if these are destined to someone else

2. Article 16. 'The Television and Radio Act'
i. Prevention of advertising tobacco without exception

However, the WHO are concerned as to how Liechtenstein is maintaining these regulations and would like to be informed.

As a small state Liechtenstein finds it easier to control tobacco useage amongst younger people. There are obviously strict regulations in place with regards advertising.

Reply 8

wackysparkle

OP

14

ukebert

As a small state Liechtenstein finds it easier to control tobacco useage amongst younger people. There are obviously strict regulations in place with regards advertising.

The WHO would like to thank Liechtenstein for their immediate response.

Reply 9

zav

14

Venezuela:
The WHO appreciates that Venezuela have taken tobacco control very seriously since 2005 when they signed the WHO framework convention for tobacco control - as seen with warnings on packaging and even banning tobacco adverts on transport systems.

Venezuela would like to thank the WHO for recognising our efforts.

However, the WHO would like to know why cigarette sales are still increasing despite these restrictions, as seen by an 8% increment in sales. Furthermore, illegal selling of cigarettes has increased by 7% since 2004.

Venezuela believes it is the job of our government to inform people of the risks of tobacco. Tobacco is still a big part of our lifestyle and it will take a long time for government legislation to make an impact.

Pressed with an alternative, The WHO can see that Venezuela do not comprehend the health-related issues connected with smoking as since the ban, the cigar sector is now increasing in sales. The idea that the cigar has become a 'fashion' icon is one that slowly needs to be abolished.

It is expected that by 2010 cigars will increase in sales as they are seen as a more fashionable and 'healthier' alternative to cigarettes - which defeats the initiatives that the WHO have created in the framework convention.

Venezuela would like to reassure the WHO that we are committed to tackling all forms of tobacco. As previously stated though it is a slow process and helping people give up cannot be done overnight.

The WHO want to know what Venezuela's plans are to tackle this increasingly acute problem

Venezuela plans to use money gained from tax on tobacco to promote a healthier life without tobacco. We though will not raise tax any higher than it is due to tobacco being a good that hits the poorest people. We feel indirect taxes are not the way forward in creating an equal society.

Reply 10

Ten Green Bottles

2

France thanks the WHO for enlightening the GA to this concerning issue, and is internally taking steps to lower tobacco usage as we speak.

Reply 11

Captain Biggles

2

Afghanistan hopes the WHO understands that the control of tobacco products is not the country's highest priority at this time, however steps have been taken by the previous government to educate the public on the dangers of smoking and measures have been taken to ban smoking in certain public places.

Reply 12

Craghyrax

17

Poll up!

I've been a muppet and left this way too long - eep! :blush:

Reply 13

Captain Biggles

2

Afghanistan feels the best option at this time is to abstain, as neither a 'yes' or a 'no' vote would represent our situation and hopes for the future in terms of tobacco policy.

Reply 14

wackysparkle

OP

14

The WHO apologies for the lack of responsive comebacks to the members who have taken the time to answer this resolution.

Answers will be posted only on Saturday, and hopes that the SG would be able to extend the deadline to monday perhaps? :redface:

Reply 15

Craghyrax

17

wackysparkle

Answers will be posted only on Saturday, and hopes that the SG would be able to extend the deadline to monday perhaps? :redface:

That would be a breach of charter. It can't be done, I'm afraid. You may carry on discussing it again, though, after the poll. Keep up the worthy endeavours :five:

Reply 16

wackysparkle

OP

14

okay then... I shall try to pose up some questions on Friday :smile:

Reply 17

Thirucumaran

11

Sri Lanka would like to inform the WHO that the GoSL has taken measures to control the consumption of tobacco. These includes high taxes, banning of smoking in public places (restaurants, bus stands, etc.), and the banning of scenes in movies where the actors are shown to smoke.

[ooc] It totally sucks, man, having the movies on TV censored whenever the actors or actresses smoke! At least about 20% of the good movies are censored! :frown:

[/ooc]

Reply 18

wackysparkle

OP

14

The WHO is happy that the resolution got passed and hopes that all nations keep their word :wink:

Reply 19

Craghyrax

17

The Secretary General also hopes that nations will be proactive in securing policies of universal health.
The resolution will be moved to the archive.

Resolution 2008/5: The Global Tobacco Control

Are you in support of Resolution: 2008/5?

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