The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is a legally-binding treaty designed to reduce deaths and diseases caused by tobacco use
worldwide. It was adopted by the 56th World Health Assembly in 2003 and was open for signature until 29 June 2004. It entered into force on 27 February 2005, is deposited at the
United Nations Headquarters in New York, and remains open to WHO member states of the World Health Organization, states that are not members of the WHO, but are members of the United Nations, as well as regional economic integration organizations. To date, there are 182 Parties to the WHO FCTC. Article 8 of the FCTC imposes specific obligations
on all Parties to protect the entire populace from exposure to tobacco smoke. It requires Parties to undertake appropriate legislative, executive, administrative and/or other measures that provide universal protection from tobacco smoke in all indoor workplaces, public places, and public transport including other public places. Designated smoking rooms, ventilation schemes or any engineering approaches are proven to be ineffective in protecting the populace from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. There are no legal or health justifications for exemptions. The Parties have approved the Article 8 Guidelines to assist them in meeting their obligations under Article 8 of the Convention which calls for full protection for all people from exposure to tobacco smoke based on best practices in protecting public health within the period of five years of the WHO FCTC’s entry into force for that Party.
