Uruguay Praised For Its Efforts To Reduce Tobacco Consumption
Uruguay Praised For Its Efforts To Reduce Tobacco Consumption
MONTEVIDEO, Nov 6 (BERNAMA-NNN-MERCOPRESS) -- The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is supporting the Government of Uruguay as it defends its tobacco control policies against claims brought by the Philip Morris tobacco company.
PAHO/WHO views Uruguay's laws and regulations aimed at reducing tobacco consumption as aligned with the provisions of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world's first international public health treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO. In force since 2005, the FCTC obliges its States Parties to apply a series of policies and measures to reduce tobacco consumption and protect their populations against second hand smoke.
"Uruguay's continuing efforts to protect its population against tobacco consumption and exposure to second-hand smoke, despite challenges by the tobacco industry, demonstrate that the country will not be intimidated by the industry," said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. "PAHO/WHO supports Uruguay's defence of these measures, which are aimed at saving lives, and recognizes it as a role model for the Region and the world."
Uruguay presented written arguments defending its tobacco control efforts earlier this month at the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
Philip Morris's claim alleges that Uruguay's public health measures violate the company's trade rights established in investment agreements between Uruguay and Switzerland, where the company is headquartered.
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