SIGNS OF SUCCESS

CODE OF CONDUCT

 The Code of Conduct has been revised to prescribe the standards with which public officials should comply with respect to possible dealings with the tobacco industry, including:
Ο Avoiding interactions with the tobacco industry and limiting interactions with it only when and to the extent strictly necessary.
Ο Ensuring transparency of all meetings and interactions with the tobacco industry.
Ο Not allowing any official or employee of government or of any semi/quasi-governmental body to accept payments, gifts, or services, monetary or in kind, from the tobacco industry.
Ο Not allowing such official to accept such contributions on behalf of government or private entities, and not endorsing, supporting, forming partnerships with, or participating in activities of the tobacco industry.
Ο Declaring any interests in the tobacco industry.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Government agencies or bodies with a role in setting and implementing public health policies with respect to tobacco control are implementing a clear policy where their government personnel or public officials, including applicants to such positions, are required to declare interests in the tobacco industry, specifically:
Ο To inform their institutions about any intention to engage in an occupational activity within the tobacco industry, whether gainful or not, within a specified period of time after leaving service.
Ο To declare any current or previous occupational activity with the tobacco industry, whether gainful or not.
Ο To declare and divest themselves of direct interests in the tobacco industry.
Ο The policy on disclosure and management of conflicts of interest extend to consultants and contractors.

ENFORCEMENT MEASURES

The central government body in charge of overseeing the conduct of government personnel or implementing/enforcing provisions relating to the Code of Conduct as well as each government body adopting any of the above policies:
Ο Has provided adequate protection for whistleblowers.
Ο Is using enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with these policies, such as bringing an action to court, and to use complaint procedures, such as an ombudsman system.
Ο Has engaged the support of NGOs and other members of civil society not affiliated with the tobacco industry in the enforcement function.

SUSTAINED AWARENESS-RAISING EFFORTS

The government branch, agency, or body continuously and consistently raises awareness of such codes and policies as well as:
Ο Informs and educates all government personnel about (a) the addictive and harmful nature of tobacco products; (b) the need to protect public health policies for tobacco control from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry; and, (c) the strategies and tactics used by the tobacco industry.
Ο Raises awareness about the tobacco industry’s practice of using individuals, front groups, and affiliated organizations to act, openly or covertly, on their behalf or to take action to further the interests of the tobacco industry.
Ο Ensures that all are informed and made aware of the true purpose and scope of activities described as socially responsible by the tobacco industry.
Ο Encourages government personnel to monitor, report, and exchange knowledge among pertinent agencies with respect to tobacco industry practices.