The seventh session of the Conference of the Parties (COP7) began near Delhi on Monday. It is the first occasion that a COP meeting is being held in India.

COP7, being held from November 7-12, 2016, brings together the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)’s parties – which includes almost every country in the world, as well as regional economic integration organizations like the European Union.

WHO FCTC is “our strongest tool to curb emerging non-communicable diseases”, said Health Minister JP Nadda while inaugurating COP7.

“We have taken strong steps to contain tobacco and implemented 85% pictorial warning on cigarette packs in India,” he added.

The protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products is an international treaty to address the increasing illegal trade in tobacco products. Based on Article 15 of the FCTC, it was adopted in November 2012 and currently has 13 Parties. It takes effect 90 days after 40 Parties have ratified.

The FCTC entered into force in 2005. It was the first international treaty to be agreed under WHO’s auspices and has successfully helped to co-ordinate and energize the global struggle against tobacco.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the convention’s governing body and is comprised of all 180 parties. It regularly reviews the implementation of the convention and takes action to promote its effectiveness. The regular sessions of COP are held at two yearly intervals.

Read: WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control