scholarly journals The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Slovakia and in Finland: one law, two different practices?

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Pavlikova ◽  
Jitse P. van Dijk
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Current Data ◽  
European Standards ◽  
Laws And Policies ◽  
Legal Frameworks

Abstract Background The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was ratified in 2004 in Slovakia and in 2005 in Finland. The aim of this study was to compare the implementation of the FCTC in the national laws and policies regarding smoking in Finland and Slovakia. Methods In this case study the following areas are compared: the legal framework; the monitoring system and health promotion; treatment; and policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. We report on these in this order after a short historical introduction. Results The legal frameworks are similar in Slovakia and in Finland. Finland far exceeds the minimum legal requirements. Slovakian regulations reflect the FCTC requirements; however, social tolerance is very high. In Finland the monitoring system and health promotion are aimed more at tobacco consumption. Slovakia does not follow the surveillance plans recommended by WHO so strictly; often there are no current data available. No additional documents regarding the FCTC have been adopted in Slovakia. The financial contribution to treatment is very low. Slovakian tobacco control policy is more focused on repression than on prevention, in contrast to Finland. Smoking bans meet European standards. Excise duties rise regularly in both countries. Conclusion Implementation of the FCTC is at different levels in the compared countries. Finland has a clear plan for achieving the goal of a smoking-free country. Slovakia meets only the minimum standard required for fulfillment of its international obligations. Its policy should become more transparent by making more up-to-date data available.

scholarly journals Association between tax structure and cigarette consumption: findings from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation (ITC) Project

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. s31-s36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ce Shang ◽  
Hye Myung Lee ◽  
Frank J Chaloupka ◽  
Geoffrey T Fong ◽  
Mary Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Policy Evaluation ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Tax Avoidance ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Cigarette Consumption ◽  
Tobacco Control Policy ◽  
Tax Structure ◽  
Tax Structures

BackgroundRecent studies show that greater price variability and more opportunities for tax avoidance are associated with tax structures that depart from a specific uniform one. These findings indicate that tax structures other than a specific uniform one may lead to more cigarette consumption.ObjectiveThis paper aims to examine how cigarette tax structure is associated with cigarette consumption.MethodsWe used survey data taken from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project in 17 countries to conduct the analysis. Self-reported cigarette consumption was aggregated to average measures for each surveyed country and wave. The effect of tax structures on cigarette consumption was estimated using generalised estimating equations after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, average taxes and year fixed effects.FindingsOur study provides important empirical evidence of a relationship between tax structure and cigarette consumption. We find that a change from a specific to an ad valorem structure is associated with a 6%–11% higher cigarette consumption. In addition, a change from uniform to tiered structure is associated with a 34%–65% higher cigarette consumption. The results are consistent with existing evidence and suggest that a uniform and specific tax structure is the most effective tax structure for reducing tobacco consumption.

scholarly journals Assessment of Tobacco Consumption and Control in India

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 117991611875928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Mohan ◽  
Harry A Lando ◽  
Sigamani Panneer
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Control

Tobacco consumption is a huge public health issue in India and its impact is especially devastating among the poor. Effective tobacco control should be a top priority, both as a health issue and as a method to reduce poverty. Tobacco use is deeply ingrained as a cultural practice and there are a myriad of tobacco types. We reviewed multiple determinants of tobacco consumption including socio-economic status, marriage, population growth, marketing strategies, and price. We also considered the tobacco burden including economic and social costs and adverse health impacts especially those resulting from oral cancer. We then addressed the history of tobacco control legislation in India and challenges in implementation. Tobacco consumption in India is continuing to increase despite tobacco control policy. Needed are more visible and aggressive anti-tobacco campaigns including increased public awareness of tobacco harms and active engagement of worksites and health professionals in promoting tobacco cessation.

scholarly journals Data protection laws and privacy on Facebook

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip Nyoni ◽  
Mthulisi Velempini
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
North West ◽  
Privacy Threats ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Cyber Crimes ◽  
Laws And Policies ◽  
Legal Frameworks

Background: Social networks have changed the way people communicate. Business processes and social interactions revolve more in the cyber space. However, as these cyber technologies advance, users become more exposed to privacy threats. Regulatory frameworks and legal instruments currently lacking a strong cyber presence are required, for the protection of users. Objectives: There is need to explore and evaluate the extent to which users are exposed to vulnerabilities and threats in the context of the existing protection laws and policies. Furthermore, to investigate how the existing legal instruments can be enhanced to better protect users. Method: This article evaluates and analyses these privacy challenges from a legalistic point of view. The study is focused on the South African Facebook users. Poll information gathered from the profile pages of users at North-West University was analysed. A short survey was also conducted to validate the poll results. Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and measures of spread, have been used to present the data. In addition, a combination of tabulated and graphical description data was also summarised in a meaningful way. Results: The results clearly show that the legal frameworks and laws are still evolving and that they are not adequately drafted to deal with specific cyber violation of privacy. Conclusion: This highlights the need to review legal instruments on a regular basis with wider consultation with users in an endeavour to develop a robust and an enforceable legal framework. A proactive legal framework would be the ideal approach unfortunately; law is reactive to cyber-crimes.

‘You cannot touch taxes easily’: making the case for tobacco taxation in India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreelata Rao Seshadri ◽  
Radhika Kaulgud ◽  
Prabhat Jha
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Centralized Control ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Taxation Policy ◽  
The Government ◽  
Legal Frameworks

Abstract India represents over 1.3 billion people with >100 million adult smokers. The catastrophic health costs of smoking are staggering; and estimates show that even modest increases in taxes on cigarettes and bidis would both raise substantial revenues for the government and save ∼69 million years of healthy life over the next four decades. Karnataka represents a good example of tobacco control efforts and their impact. This case study examines the factors that have contributed to tobacco control policy in Karnataka based on 23 semi-structured interviews with key informants engaged in tobacco policymaking and decision-making, tobacco control/taxation research and advocacy. Their narratives indicate that: (i) Domestic taxation policy is complicated by the complex tax structure and centralized control over taxation with the introduction of Goods and Services Tax; (ii) Implementation of legal frameworks is a challenge, due to conflicts with powerful industry and farmer lobbies. A vigorous civil society backed by the Courts is necessary to garner political support; (iii) Action on taxation is hampered by weak leadership and mixed messaging; and (iv) There is a need for innovative policy solutions to promote both demand- and supply-side measures for tobacco control. Tobacco control advocates need to recognize the political economy of tobacco control and generate strong, reliable and scientifically sound evidence to support their arguments. Working for incremental ‘wins’ in terms of more stringent application of existing legal frameworks can make a substantial difference even in contexts where enhancing tobacco taxes is a challenge. Promoting multisectoral action is critical, at both policy and the ground levels, by expanding ownership and responsibility for tobacco control to sectors beyond health. Finally, the health sector needs to recommit to its role as a champion for tobacco control. Failure to do so would amount to a failure on multiple fronts—public health, economic, fiscal and ethical.

Forensic Evidence in Proving Crimes: Exploring the Legal Frameworks of Sharīʿah Bukti Forensik Bagi Membuktikan Jenayah: Menerokai Rangka Kerja Guaman Sharīʿah

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 220-247
Author(s):  
Sayyid Mohammad Yunus Gilani ◽  
K. M. Zakir Hossain Shalim
Keyword(s):  
Legal System ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Common Law ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
New Method ◽  
Criminal Investigation ◽  
Forensic Evidence ◽  
Administration Of Justice ◽  
Legal Frameworks

AbstractForensic evidence is an evolving science in the field of criminal investigation and prosecutions. It has been widely used in the administration of justice in the courts and the Western legal system, particularly in common law. To accommodate this new method of evidence in Islamic law, this article firstly, conceptualizes forensic evidence in Islamic law.  Secondly, explores legal frameworks for its adoption in Islamic law. Keywords: Forensic Evidence, legal framework, Criminal Investigation, Sharīʿah.AbstrakBukti forensik adalah sains yang sentiasa berkembang dalam bidang siasatan jenayah dan pendakwaan. Ia telah digunakan secara meluas dalam pentadbiran keadilan di mahkamah dan sistem undang-undang Barat, terutamanya dalam undang-undang common (common law). Untuk menampung kaedah pembuktian baru ini dalam undang-undang Islam, artikel ini, pertamanya, konseptualisasikan bukti forensik dalam undang-undang Islam. Kedua, ia menerokai rangka kerja undang-undang untuk penerimaannya dalam undang-undang Islam.Kata Kunci: Bukti Forensik, Rangka Kerja Guaman, Siasatan Jenayah, Sharīʿah.

scholarly journals Analysis of the illicit tobacco market in Georgia in response to fiscal and non-fiscal tobacco control measures

2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056404
Author(s):  
Megan Little ◽  
Hana Ross ◽  
George Bakhturidze ◽  
Iago Kachkachishvili
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cigarette Consumption ◽  
Control Law ◽  
Excise Tax ◽  
Cigarette Taxes ◽  
Illicit Trade ◽  
Cigarette Pack

BackgroundGeorgian illicit cigarette consumption was 1.5% in 2017. In 2018, a new tobacco control law took effect followed by a substantial cigarette excise tax increase in 2019. Research shows these policies reduce tobacco consumption, but the tobacco industry argues they increase illicit trade. There is limited evidence on this, particularly from developing countries.MethodsA panel household survey in Georgia obtained data over three waves: 2017 baseline, 2018 after the tobacco control law took effect and 2019 after taxes increased. A sample of 1578 smokers (and quitters in later waves) from five regions reported their tobacco use and were asked to present a cigarette pack in their possession. These were examined for tax stamps and health warnings to establish legality.FindingsThere was no evidence of an increase in illicit cigarette consumption in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe or Gori in any wave. In Zugdidi, near the Russian-occupied Abkhazia, illicit cigarette consumption was increasing even prior to the tax increase, reaching 30.9% by wave 3. A country-wide shift occurred from manufactured cigarettes to roll-your-own tobacco (whose tax remained unchanged) between waves 2 and 3.ConclusionNo evidence of a country-wide increase in illicit cigarette trade was found after non-fiscal tobacco measures took effect and cigarette taxes increased. Relatively high illicit cigarette consumption in Zugdidi highlights the role of disputed territories and border administration in illicit cigarette supply. Substitution towards roll-your-own tobacco after manufactured cigarette taxes increased demonstrates the importance of equalising taxes on tobacco products to maximise public health benefits.

scholarly journals Needs of LMIC-based tobacco control advocates to counter tobacco industry policy interference: insights from semi-structured interviews

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e044710
Author(s):  
Britta Katharina Matthes ◽  
Lindsay Robertson ◽  
Anna B Gilmore
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
National Coalition ◽  
Industry Policy

IntroductionAdvocacy is vital for advancing tobacco control and there has been considerable investment in this area. While much is known about tobacco industry interference (TII), there is little research on advocates’ efforts in countering TII and what they need to succeed. We sought to examine this and focused on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where adoption and implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) tend to remain slower and weaker.MethodWe interviewed 22 advocates from eight LMICs with recent progress in a tobacco control policy. We explored participants’ experiences in countering TII, including the activities they undertake, challenges they encounter and how their efforts could be enhanced. We used Qualitative Description to analyse transcripts and validated findings through participant feedback.ResultsWe identified four main areas of countering activities: (1) generating and compiling data and evidence, (2) accessing policymakers and restricting industry access, (3) working with media and (4) engaging in a national coalition. Each area was linked to challenges, including (1) lack of data, (2) no/weak implementation of FCTC Article 5.3, (3) industry ties with media professionals and (4) advocates’ limited capacity. To address these challenges, participants suggested initiatives, including access to country-specific data, building advocates’ skills in compiling and using such data in research and monitoring, and in coalition development; others aiming at training journalists to question and investigate TII; and finally, diverse interventions intended to advance a whole-of-government approach to tobacco control. Structural changes to tobacco control funding and coordination were suggested to facilitate the proposed measures.ConclusionThis research highlights that following years of investment in tobacco control in LMICs, there is growing confidence in addressing TII. We identify straightforward initiatives that could strengthen such efforts. This research also underscores that more structural changes to enhance tobacco control capacity building should be considered.

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