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Infact Cites Framework Convention on Tobacco Control as Model for Business and Human Rights FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACTS: Geneva--As the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) holds a consultation meeting on business and human rights, Infact is calling on attending parties to recognize the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) as a model for holding corporations accountable. The FCTC, the world's first public health and corporate accountability treaty, has thus far been ratified by 32 nations, with 40 ratifications required to bring it into force. The FCTC contains articles on issues including advertising, promotion and sponsorship; exclusion of the tobacco industry from involvement in public health policymaking; full public disclosure about the dangers of tobacco; and participation of civil society in achieving the objectives of the treaty. According to Infact, similarly strong provisions are necessary in the UN Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Regard to Human Rights. "Heading into this meeting, we see it as a definite step in the right direction and remain cautiously optimistic. We urge all participants to acknowledge the precedents the global tobacco treaty sets for this process. A strong set of norms will help ensure that all corporations adhere to basic human rights and are not permitted to put profits before people," says Kathryn Mulvey, Executive Director of Infact, a US-based corporate accountability organization. Today's meeting on business and human rights is being co-sponsored by the Global Compact Office. Infact and allied organizations around the world have raised concerns about voluntary standards for corporate behavior, including those set forth in the Global Compact. Read Infact's comment to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ###Infact is a membership organization that protects people by waging and winning campaigns challenging irresponsible and dangerous corporate actions around the world. Through bold campaigns and a commitment to win, for over 25 years Infact has forced corporations--like Nestlé, GE and Philip Morris/Altria--to stop irresponsible and dangerous actions. Infact is an NGO in Official Relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). The Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT) includes 75 NGOs from more than 50 countries working for a strong, enforceable Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. For more information visit www.infact.org or www.iwr2002.org.
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