Consumer Voices Urged at FCTC COP10

The Asia-Pacific Advocates for Tobacco Harm Reduction Alliance (CAPHRA) has stated that national delegations attending the 10th Conference of Parties (COP10) to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) should include at least one representative of safer nicotine products consumers.

Members of CAPHRA emphasized the importance of listening to consumer opinions in a letter addressed to their respective country's FCTC delegation. The letter stated that consumers represent an untapped source of experience and knowledge, and that they have not been fully represented in the process of implementing the Tobacco Control Framework Convention. It called on COP10 representatives to advocate for the rights and desires of ordinary consumers.

CAPHRA maintains that adults have the right to make choices that help them avoid negative health outcomes. Smokers have the right to access nicotine products with less harm as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes. Moreover, the letter emphasizes that they have the right to participate in the policy-making process that directly impacts their health.

According to Nancy Loucas, Executive Director of CAPHRA, excluding the voices of consumers has resulted in misguided and false information being used in tobacco control policies, ultimately leading to policy failures.

The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) will take place in Panama in November.

References:

in Climate Change Discussions Delegates attending the Conference of the Parties (COP) were urged to consider the perspective of consumers in discussions surrounding climate change. 【2】During the meeting, participants were encouraged to collaborate with consumer advocates to develop strategies that would address concerns related to sustainable consumption and production. 【3】Increasing consumer awareness of their environmental impact and promoting sustainable lifestyle choices were identified as key priorities in combatting climate change. 【4】By incorporating the perspective of consumers, it is hoped that more holistic and effective solutions to climate change can be developed.