9
in-between sessions, were constantly keeping us up to date with things that
were being hidden, things by the corporations, by other governments.
So there was this percolating of information, that, speaking as an African,
I can certainly say, helped us to be better informed, and therefore to take a
clearer and stronger stand on things.
28
Thus, one’s views of the propriety of NGOs involvement in international affairs in
general, and in this treaty process in particular may well depend in large measure on
whether one believes that the securing of a strong treaty containing a comprehensive
roadmap for international tobacco control was a positive outcome.
29
THE CREATION OF A STRUCTURED NETWORK OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL
TOBACCO CONTROL ADVOCATES
30
Background
Prior to the World Health Assembly decision to sponsor an international treaty to combat
the diseases and early deaths caused by tobacco use, most tobacco control NGOs acted at
the national and local level and met at the international level infrequently to educate one
another about advances in the science and new means of confronting the tobacco
industry. As the tobacco companies looked beyond their borders for new customers,
however, tobacco control activists had to try to increase their collaboration on ways to
confront the industry.
31
An early collaborative effort was the bi- and triennial world tobacco control conferences,
which brought together tobacco control advocates, scientists and policymakers from
around the world. First held in 1967, they have continued to serve as useful venue for the
exchange of scientific and advocacy information. The other more recent effort has been
the use of the Internet. One cannot overstate the importance of the Internet to help level
the playing field for civil society. It provides small and geographically dispersed NGOs
28
Patricia Lambert, legal advisor to the South African Minister of Health and head of the South African
delegation to FCTC.
The quotes are from an interview that she gave to INFACT in preparation of their
movie “Overcoming the Odds: A Story of the First Global Health and Corporate Accountability Treaty.”
2004.
29
Civil society was not alone in wanting to be a part of this negotiation. Many in the tobacco industry also
wished to be represented. Although many rejected the FCTC, most tobacco industry representatives tried to
portray themselves as wanting to 'engage' WHO and to work together with the health community. In their
oral submission to the FCTC, BAT said, "...we are not some insensitive monolith" and Philip Morris stated
that they, "support national governments' efforts to provide for sensible and effective regulation of
cigarettes." However Derek Yach, Project Manager of the World Health Organization’s Tobacco Free
Initiative, in a press conference after the public hearings queried the tobacco industry's sincerity and called
on the industry to stop lobbying finance ministries and running intense briefings. Others have described the
tobacco industry’s desire to participate as no different than asking the mosquito or other disease vector to
attend a discussion of the disease.
30
The history of the Framework Convention Alliance is based on personal recollections of members of
FCA, notes taken at meetings, FCA Alliance Bulletins, email traffic etc.
31
Yach D, Wipfli H, Ha Yach D, Wipfli H, Hammond R, Glantz S. “Globalization and Tobacco” in
Globalization and Health. Ichiro Kawachi, Editor. (London: Oxford University Press, 2005) forthcoming.
Convention