FCTC

What is the FCTC?
The FCTC is the world's first public health treaty. It was developed in response to the current globalization of tobacco epidemic. The FCTC was adopted unanimously at the 56th World Health Assembly by the 192 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 Feb 2005.

How does the FCTC work?
FCTC is a binding treaty designed to reduce tobacco-related deaths and disease around the world. Among its many measures, the treaty requires countries to impose restrictions on tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion; establish new packaging and labeling of tobacco products; protect people from exposure from secondhand smoke; and strengthen legislation to eliminate tobacco smuggling.

Did Armenia join the FCTC?
Armenia has acceded to the FCTC on November 29, 2004, becoming one of the first 40 countries in the world and the first NIS country to ratify the treaty.
In 2005, the Coalition for Tobacco Free Armenia initiated publication of the FCTC in Armenian language. The financial support was provided by the Jinishian Memorial Foundation.

List of the WHO FCTC Signatories and Parties

The challenge of implementation
In the words of WHO's Director General, late Dr LEE Jong-wook:

“The success of the WHO FCTC as a tool for public health will depend on the energy and political commitment that we devote to implementing it in countries in the coming years. A successful result will be global public health gains for all.”