[Intl-tobacco] Civil society wants the FCTC NOW!

[Robert Weissman]

Dear friendsAs you will know, Governments round the world are, one by
one, signing and ratifying the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Since the Convention was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May
2003, and opened for signature in June 2003, over 80 governments have
signed and seven ratified.The Convention has recognized the role of
civil society during its negotiation and the future implementation of
its measures, but NGOs and citizens do not have the legal authority to
sign or ratify the process=D6=D6.but now we have another way to make our
voices heard.Together with the Framework Convention Alliance, UICC
Globalink and INGCAT have created  a way for NGO and citizen voices to
be heard - at www.fctcnow.org, you can "sign" the FCTC to demonstrate
your support and send a signal to your government that this Convention
matters. We are also encouraging you to get your organisation "Ready for
Ratification" - if we can tell governments that civil society is ready
to play its part, they will have one less excuse to delay
ratification.Why are we doing this now?The next World Assembly is in May
2004, where we will have an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of
civil society support for the FCTC and press more governments to sign or
ratify. There is also a signature deadline - governments only have until
29 June 2004 to sign the Convention. We need to communicate that
urgency.What are we asking you to do?

   * Visit www.fctcnow.org and add your own name to the list of
     individuals who support the FCTC.
   * Get your organisation to do the same - find out who has authority
     to do this and get your organisation's name on the list.
   * Check whether your government has signed the FCTC - if not, press
     them to do so before the 29 June deadline. If they have, press them
     to ratify. If they've ratified, thank them and offer your support
     for the next stages.
   * Start considering what your organisation's role will be in
     implementing the Convention, and assessing what you might need to
     do to prepare for that.

The site has links to the main organisations that can help improve
organisation's tobacco control work or get them more involved in
advocating for the FCTC, Do join in this important demonstration of
civil society's support for the FCTC - NOW!With best wishes, Doreen
McIntyre, INGCATRuben Israel, UICC GlobalinkLaurent Hubert, Framework
Convention Alliance  Web: www.fctcnow.org