The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) strongly criticises the recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, calling it a dangerous setback in the global fight against smoking-related deaths.
CAPHRA, an alliance of tobacco harm reduction advocates across the Asia Pacific region, argues that the report’s stance on vaping and other reduced-risk nicotine products is not only misguided but potentially lethal for millions of people who smoke seeking safer alternatives.
“This report blatantly ignores the mounting scientific evidence supporting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking, as well as addressing the demonisation of people who use these products by tobacco control groups, up to and including the WHO FCTC,” said Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA.
“By demonizing these products, and not addressing and supporting the right to health of the end users of these products, the UN is effectively condemning countless smokers to continued exposure to the deadly toxins in cigarette smoke.”
The organisation points out several key issues with the report:
- Disregard for Harm Reduction: The report fails to acknowledge the significant role of tobacco harm reduction strategies in public health.
- Disregard for the end users of Safer Nicotine Products; instead, choosing not to address replicable science and evidence, nor the right to health for billions of people who smoke in LMICs.
- Misrepresentation of Evidence: It cherry-picks data while ignoring comprehensive studies supporting the efficacy of vaping in smoking cessation.
- Violation of Human Rights: By advocating for restrictions on safer nicotine products, the report infringes on the right to choose less harmful alternatives for adults who smoke.
CAPHRA emphasises that its position is based on pragmatic, risk-proportionate regulations based on replicable science and evidence that protects public health while ensuring the availability of reduced-harm products for adult smokers.
“We call on the UN and WHO to engage in meaningful dialogue with consumer groups and harm reduction advocates,” Loucas added. “Excluding our voices from critical discussions like FCTC CoP10 is not only undemocratic but also detrimental to global health objectives.”
CAPHRA urges policymakers and health organisations to critically examine the report’s recommendations and consider the real-world impact of restricting access to vaping products. The organisation stays committed to educating the public and advocating for the rights of adults who smoke to access harm reduction alternatives.
CONTACT
Nancy Loucas,
Executive Coordinator CAPHRA (Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates)
Mobile: +64272348643
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://caphraorg.net/
