Bush Administration May Reject Ratification of International Tobacco Control Treaty

Interview with Derek Yach, one of the principle drafters of the International Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

An international anti-tobacco treaty went into effect on Feb. 27th that aims to reduce smoking-related disease and death around the world. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was signed by 168 countries, but so far ratified by only 57, including some of the largest nations such as India, Japan and Germany. Two major countries that have not yet ratified the treaty are China, which is expected to, and the United States, where Senate ratification is uncertain.

Ratifying nations must set targets for imposing price and tax increases on cigarettes, enact laws to protect the public from second-hand smoke, and enforce restrictions on the sale of tobacco products to minors, among other things. The World Heatlh Organization estimates that tobacco-related illnesses kill one smoker every 6.5 seconds around the globe.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Derek Yach, the official from the World Health Organization in charge of drafting the treaty, which was completed in 2003. He now heads the Division of Global Health at Yale University's School of Public Health. He says in order to be effective, the treaty needs protocols that set up specific reduction targets. And, he explains that while the U.S. Justice Department has taken a strong stand against abuses by tobacco companies, the Bush administration may still oppose ratification of this treaty.

For more information, visit the World Health Organization's website at www.who.int

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