Decision: tobacco control in complex emergency situations

13 FCTC/COP8(20) Tobacco control in complex emergency situations The Conference of the Parties (COP), Acknowledging the great challenge in implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) during complex emergency situations; Realizing the need to control the damage that complex emergency situations cause to tobacco control; Understanding that there is need to give greater attention to the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in countries facing complex emergencies, including tobacco control measures towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Noting that complex emergency situations can lead to an increase in tobacco use, addiction and the risk of tobacco-related diseases; Acknowledging the importance and comprehensiveness of the report (FCTC/COP/8/13) prepared by the Convention Secretariat in this regard and taking note of the proposed practical actions within, 1. REQUESTS the WHO FCTC Secretariat, regarding Parties that are in a situation that has been characterized by the United Nations to be a complex emergency situation: (a) to provide technical support upon request and financial support, where appropriate, to tobacco control activities; (b) to propose to the COP for such countries, a temporary exemption from submitting a full report on the implementation of the WHO FCTC, and to work with those countries to submit a summary report; Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Eighth session Geneva, Switzerland, 1−6 October 2018 6 October 2018 FCTC/COP8(20) 2 2. CALLS UPON Parties facing complex emergencies to continue to fulfil their obligations under the WHO FCTC to the extent possible, and more importantly: (a) to continue the appropriate level of surveillance for tobacco control; (b) to maintain the already existing gains in tobacco control, especially in: (i) existing tobacco control laws; (ii) infrastructure for tobacco control; (iii) cessation services, where appropriate; (iv) awareness-raising among different population groups, including displaced persons; (v) training of the health workforce on tobacco control issues; (vi) collecting and providing information on illicit tobacco trade to the Convention Secretariat; (c) to pay special attention to Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC and related Guidelines; (d) in post-complex emergency situations, Parties shall fully implement their obligations under the WHO FCTC. (Fifth plenary meeting, 6 October 2018) = = =