NOVEMBER 15, 2003

Ratifying the FCTC

With 77 nations having signed their commitment to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the focus is now shifting towards countries ratifying the treaty. As soon as 40 countries ratify the agreement it will become international law for those who have agreed to abide by it.

With 77 nations having signed their commitment to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the focus is now shifting towards countries ratifying the treaty. As soon as 40 countries ratify the agreement it will become international law for those who have agreed to abide by it. At the moment there are only five countries which have ratified the deal: Norway, Malta, Fiji, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles but bigger names will follow as the necessary legislation goes through in the various national assemblies. The whole process is expected to be completed by 2006.