L to evaluate a event characteristics 4th. Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention for the Control of COP4 Snuff - Punta del Este tends to materialize in the analysis of products, so that the individual interest in the themes begin to define appropriations and future actions. But it is logical that a conference of this importance is woven of many interests reflected in actions hint from before and during development become objectified.
In this vein, we present backstage COP4 and its major decisions:
1. COP4 The delayed start, with a presidency that prioritized for Monday and Tuesday discursive long hours of delegates without specifying the substance of the agenda. Moreover, the diplomatic language left to see some bureaucratic tensions consistent references to the regulations on competences of the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties and the Secretariat.
2. Near the Conrad Hotel, venue, farmers' organizations protested that snuff out the adoption of guidelines for the application of Articles 9 and 10 of Framework Convention for the Control of FCTC Snuff, making some of their most qualified spokesmen agree to the halls of the Conference and, of course, the public authority to follow the deliberations of the COP. The mobilization strategy began months earlier with complaints and pressure on governments, especially where it is grown snuff and concrete in the Conference. Several countries from different continents became committed to their positions, fortunately neutralized to obtain the approval of the guidelines by consensus.
3. The tobacco industry was at ease at the conference. And public presence, and in corridors and hotel lobby.
4. Discussions on many budget issues on. One of the biggest weaknesses of the Framework Convention, which is why establishing a group to study alternative financial resources and support mechanisms . The report must be filed with the COP5, which by unanimous decision of the Conference will be held in South Korea.
5. In the regional groups showed concern over the lack of coordinated efforts between the Secretariat and the COP Initiative snuff free from WHO (TFI) . It was said that "The responsibility and common interest should not only lead to operational cooperation and synergy to be effective but also facilitate mutual recognition of the roles and responsibilities of both the World Health Assembly and the Conference of the Parties strategic and policy level. "
7. As COP4-Durban, the interference of the industry continue to materialize as the greatest threat to the implementation of the FCTC. Were constant references to the delegates and called to neutralize their actions via the strengthening of the FCTC.
8. Two moles for Latin America: Colombia departed from the consensus adoption of guidelines under Articles 9 and 10 what is behind this decision? "Follow the agreements between the government and tobacco companies to increase the cultivation of burley snuff?, And Costa Rica was the only country that sends delegates" because of the lack of political will in support of the law's implementation FCTC?
9. Now decisions:
· Approval of guidelines for application of Articles 9 and 10, 12, and 14 , in order, relating to: information about the contents and emissions of snuff products, with emphasis on food additives and flavorings that enhance the attraction to smoking; , education, communication, training and public awareness; and measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation of snuff.
· Extension of mandate of the Working Group that is devoted to study and make possible the contents of Articles 17 and 18 on economically viable alternatives to the cultivation of snuff and environmental protection . This issue is of urgent resolution. The Conference as well as individual States must implement fundamental solutions to small growers, depending on household economy and welfare, to prevent this sector is manipulated by the interests of the tobacco industry and big growers.
· Illicit Trade Protocol : The COP approved the continuation of negotiations and a final negotiating session shall be 2012.
· The Parties agreed to establish a working group for draft guidelines on Article 6 on actions related to prices and taxes . Very optimistic with this group, to the point that more than 25 countries expressed their willingness to participate. The downside is the lack of budget funding, at least for now.
· The Secretariat of the COP and the initiative to get rid of snuff WHO (TFI), were mandated to jointly prepare a report on civil and criminal liability (Art. 19) . A breakthrough to install and strengthen the strategy of litigation against tobacco companies.
· Creating a group of experts on cross-border advertising.
· Unanimous adoption of the Declaration Punta del Este on the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention for the Control of Snuff, but also as an expression of support in its conflict disputed URUGUAY with Philip Morris. Among others, the reported includes: (1) Your firm will prioritize the implementation of sanitary measures to control the consumption of snuff in their respective jurisdictions. (2) Your concern about the actions of the tobacco industry seeking to subvert and undermine the government policies of control of snuff; "(4) That in accordance with the provisions of Articles 7 and 8 of the TRIPS Agreement and Declaration Doha, Parties may take measures to protect public health, and in particular to regulate the exercise of intellectual property rights in accordance with national policies on public health, provided that such measures are consistent with the Agreement. (5). That Parties have the right to define and implement national public health policies designed to properly fulfill the agreements and commitments undertaken under the aegis of the World Health Organization, and in particular the WHO FCTC.
We continue dealing with the decisions taken at COP 4, reviewing scope, impact and appropriation by States and civil society, but of course we welcome the progress made.
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