Pledge
The pledge is based on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005. It reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. As an MEP candidate, I support the Framework Convention and pledge to promote its effective implementation.
Strong measures to counter tobacco marketing, promotion and imagery
Articles 11: (a) tobacco product packaging and labelling do not promote a tobacco product by any means that are false, misleading, deceptive or likely to create an erroneous impression about its characteristics, health effects, hazards or emissions, including any term, descriptor, trademark, figurative or any other sign that directly or indirectly creates the false impression that a particular tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products. These may include terms such as “low tar”, “light”, “ultra-light”, or “mild”; and (b) each unit packet and package of tobacco products and any outside packaging and labelling of such products also carry health warnings describing the harmful effects of tobacco use, and may include other appropriate messages.
Article 12: Education, communication, training and public awareness
Article 13: Parties recognize that a comprehensive ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship would reduce the consumption of tobacco products.
Tough new measures to control tobacco smuggling
Article 15: The Parties recognize that the elimination of all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products, including smuggling, illicit manufacturing and counterfeiting, and the development and implementation of related national law, in addition to subregional, regional and global agreements, are essential components of tobacco control.
Commitment to taxation as a tool to reduce smoking prevalence
Article 6: The Parties recognize that price and tax measures are an effective and important means of reducing tobacco consumption by various segments of the population, in particular young persons.
Comprehensive protection from tobacco smoke
Article 8: Parties recognize that scientific evidence has unequivocally established that exposure to tobacco smoke causes death, disease and disability.
Helping people to stop smoking
Article 14: Each Party shall develop and disseminate appropriate, comprehensive and integrated guidelines based on scientific evidence and best practices, taking into account national circumstances and priorities, and shall take effective measures to promote cessation of tobacco use and adequate treatment for tobacco dependence.
Stopping tobacco industry influence on government’s tobacco control policies
Article 5.3: In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law.
Making industry liable for its actions
Articles 4.5: Issues relating to liability, as determined by each Party within its jurisdiction, are an important part of comprehensive tobacco control.
Article 19.1: For the purpose of tobacco control, the Parties shall consider taking legislative action or promoting their existing laws, where necessary, to deal with criminal and civil liability, including compensation where appropriate. Issues relating to liability, as determined by each Party within its jurisdiction, are an important part of comprehensive tobacco control. In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.