What is the WHO FCTC?

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic. It provides evidence-based answers to the tobacco epidemic, and stresses all people's right to the highest standard of health.

It is a milestone event and is the first treaty ever negotiated under WHO. The WHO FCTC was adopted  on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005. It has since become one of the most widely embraced treaties in United Nations history and has been ratified by 168 countries, globally. In the WHO European Region, 46 countries (out of 53) and the European Community are Parties.

It is a powerful tool for governments, civil society (such as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)) and the general public. The success of the WHO FCTC depends on everyone - it depends on you.

The WHO FCTC impacts everyone on a personal level - it protects you, as well as your family and friends, from tobacco smoke. It is part of your life. Let's use it!

What does the WHO FCTC say to do?

The WHO FCTC includes several articles and guidelines with evidence-based solutions to combating the tobacco epidemic. These have proven to be cost-effective and to save lives. Some examples of these measures in the WHO FCTC are -

• Monitoring tobacco use and prevention
• Protecting people from second-hand smoke
• Offering help to quit tobacco use
• Warning about the dangers of smoking (including pictorial warning labels)
• Banning tobacco advertising and promotion
• Raising tobacco prices and taxes
• Not selling tobacco to minors

Other helpful material

• WHO FCTC Summary from the WHO Regional Office for Europe website 
• WHO FCTC Treaty document
• WHO FCTC Guidelines