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Thanks to the Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control, many countries
initiated interventions, and the
convention
makes
numerous
recommendations
both
at
a
community and individual level.
These include, among others, price
and tax regulations to reduce tobacco
demand and to prevent smuggling;
protection from exposure to tobacco
smoke; packaging and labelling of
tobacco products; banning tobacco
commercials,
promotions
and
sponsorship, and the monitoring and
evaluation thereof. The convention
also suggests intervention methods
for individuals as a means of reducing
and
ending
tobacco
addiction.
What should be the role of civil
society in the fight against tobacco
addiction?
In
the
fight
against
tobacco
addiction,
the
role
of
non-
governmental organizations (NGOs)
is just as important as that of states,
governments
and
governmental
agencies.
Governments
cannot
succeed in tobacco control when
a strong civil society is lacking.
Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to
work with civil society in order to raise
awareness in society against tobacco
addiction and to rapidly reduce
tobacco use rates.
We, as the World Health Organization,
adopt what we call a “whole-of-
government,
whole-of-society”
approach in which all governmental
organs work for toward the same
goal, while civil society, especially the
academic and scientific environments,
join the fight to take effective control
of tobacco.
Our recommendation is that the
Framework Convention on Tobacco
Control be given prominence in all
countries. Accordingly, we recommend
taking measures in many areas, such
as increasing the price of cigarettes,
prohibiting smoking in indoors and
banning the advertising of cigarettes.
What do you think about Green
Crescent’s fight against addiction?
The Green Crescent has been a
significant NGO in the fight against
drug addiction and tobacco in Turkey
since 1920. We have conducted many
studies withGreen Crescent, especially
related to the fight against tobacco.
Having a prominent place in the fight
against addiction in Turkey, Green
Crescent is taking firm steps toward
becoming a global actor through its
international activities and projects.
I would thus like to thank Green
Crescent for all the support and effort
it provides. In the coming years, Green
Crescent will become an important
NGO in the fight against tobacco and
other addictions, both within the
United Nations and at a global level. It
will have the power and resources to
offer technical and financial support
to those who want to work in this field
in many countries around the world.
Our recommendation is that
the Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control be given
prominence in all countries.
Accordingly, we recommend
taking measures in many
areas, such as increasing
the price of cigarettes,
prohibiting smoking in
indoors and banning the
advertising of cigarettes.
Seyyed Mohsen Nouri Najafi - I
r
an
37