WHO call to unite against Big Tobacco
11th Oct 2011
THE
World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to unite against
Big Tobacco, accusing the industry of dirty tricks, bullying and
immorality in its quest to keep people smoking.
WHO director-general Dr Margaret Chan cited Australia’s plan for plain packaging while accusing cashed-up tobacco firms of using lawsuits to try to subvert national laws and international conventions aimed at curbing cigarette sales.
"It is horrific to think that an industry known for its dirty tricks and dirty laundry could be allowed to trump what is clearly in the public's best interests," Dr Chan said at a forum of Western Pacific nations in the Philippine capital yesterday.
Australian Department of Health and Ageing Secretary Jane Halton told the meeting the Australian government was determined to push through with its plan for world-first legislation on plain packaging, despite the "subversive tactics" of tobacco companies.
"We stand ready to repel the assault of Big Tobacco, but we acknowledge it will be a big fight," Ms Halton told the WHO delegates.
Philip Morris has launched legal action, claiming Australia's plans violate international trade obligations and warning it expects billions of dollars in compensation if plain packaging goes ahead.
Dr Chan cited legal action by the tobacco industry against anti-smoking measures in Australia and in Uruguay, saying these were "scare tactics" intended to frighten other countries from following suit.
"It is hard for any country to bear the financial burden of this kind of litigation, but most especially so for small countries," she said.
"Big Tobacco can afford to hire the best lawyers and PR firms that money can buy. Big money can speak louder than any moral, ethical or public health argument and can trample even the most damning scientific evidence."
Dr Chan called on the countries at the forum to fight back.
"I urge all these countries to stand firm together. Do not bow to pressure... We must never allow the tobacco industry to get the upper hand," she said.
AFP
WHO director-general Dr Margaret Chan cited Australia’s plan for plain packaging while accusing cashed-up tobacco firms of using lawsuits to try to subvert national laws and international conventions aimed at curbing cigarette sales.
"It is horrific to think that an industry known for its dirty tricks and dirty laundry could be allowed to trump what is clearly in the public's best interests," Dr Chan said at a forum of Western Pacific nations in the Philippine capital yesterday.
Australian Department of Health and Ageing Secretary Jane Halton told the meeting the Australian government was determined to push through with its plan for world-first legislation on plain packaging, despite the "subversive tactics" of tobacco companies.
"We stand ready to repel the assault of Big Tobacco, but we acknowledge it will be a big fight," Ms Halton told the WHO delegates.
Philip Morris has launched legal action, claiming Australia's plans violate international trade obligations and warning it expects billions of dollars in compensation if plain packaging goes ahead.
Dr Chan cited legal action by the tobacco industry against anti-smoking measures in Australia and in Uruguay, saying these were "scare tactics" intended to frighten other countries from following suit.
"It is hard for any country to bear the financial burden of this kind of litigation, but most especially so for small countries," she said.
"Big Tobacco can afford to hire the best lawyers and PR firms that money can buy. Big money can speak louder than any moral, ethical or public health argument and can trample even the most damning scientific evidence."
Dr Chan called on the countries at the forum to fight back.
"I urge all these countries to stand firm together. Do not bow to pressure... We must never allow the tobacco industry to get the upper hand," she said.
AFP
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