Controversy Over United Nations-Regulated Tobacco Tax
Delegates from the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) met to discuss the controversial issue of global tobacco use. It has been known for decades that tobacco is severely damaging to one’s health; in fact, tobacco kills one person every six seconds.The ECOSOC committee discussed the ways in which to raise awareness and combat tobacco use.
Among the suggestions to help to prevent the spread of tobacco usage was a proposed implementation of a tax on the addictive drug. This, according to delegates who were in favor, would encourage people to cease smoking. This proposed tax would vary, the price fluctuating depending on the country. A clause to this working paper proposed that the UN would provide monetary aid to countries unable to support the tax. This plan was supported by delegates from Lithuania, Australia, and China.
Delegates from Israel and Portugal agreed with the above proposal, but wanted to add outreach and education elements to inform people of tobacco’s harmful effects. The combination of taxation and education, these delegates argued, would be most effective in combating global tobacco usage.
India and Venezuela were against any form of taxation, arguing that because smoking tobacco is an addiction, taxation would be fruitless. Delegates from India also proposed the use of anti-tobacco advertisements and propaganda and the elimination of existing advertisements supporting tobacco usage.
The issue regarding the UN’s involvement in this controversial topic is unresolved. Delegates will be voting on a possible resolution within the coming days.
Among the suggestions to help to prevent the spread of tobacco usage was a proposed implementation of a tax on the addictive drug. This, according to delegates who were in favor, would encourage people to cease smoking. This proposed tax would vary, the price fluctuating depending on the country. A clause to this working paper proposed that the UN would provide monetary aid to countries unable to support the tax. This plan was supported by delegates from Lithuania, Australia, and China.
Delegates from Israel and Portugal agreed with the above proposal, but wanted to add outreach and education elements to inform people of tobacco’s harmful effects. The combination of taxation and education, these delegates argued, would be most effective in combating global tobacco usage.
India and Venezuela were against any form of taxation, arguing that because smoking tobacco is an addiction, taxation would be fruitless. Delegates from India also proposed the use of anti-tobacco advertisements and propaganda and the elimination of existing advertisements supporting tobacco usage.
The issue regarding the UN’s involvement in this controversial topic is unresolved. Delegates will be voting on a possible resolution within the coming days.