THE 4th Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) runs from 24 to 26 November, bringing together 71 Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products - the first protocol adopted under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

The Protocol is an international treaty with the objective of eliminating all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products through a package of measures to be taken by countries acting in cooperation with each other: it is a global solution to a global problem. The theme of MOP4 is "United for justice, against illicit tobacco trade".

It is estimated that illicit trade accounts for around 11% of the global tobacco market. Its elimination could increase global tax revenues by around US$ 47.4 billion annually.

"The illicit trade in tobacco products globally undermines public health, fuels organized crime and deprives governments of vital revenue," said Andrew Black, Acting Head of the WHO FCTC Secretariat. "The MOP plays a critical role in strengthening international cooperation, promoting transparency, and ensuring that Parties have the tools and support needed to meet their obligations under the Protocol."

The first day of the MOP featured a high-level segment with speakers from INTERPOL and prosecutors from Gabon and Latvia, who addressed cases of illicit trade in tobacco products. Titled "Justice and Prosecution: Strengthening Legal Action to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products", the session also included the launch of a report on global progress in implementation of the Protocol, based on information provided by the Parties.

Other issues to be discussed throughout the MOP include strengthening the implementation of international cooperation, mechanisms of assistance and mobilization of financial resources to support implementation of the Protocol, licensing, and measures to control the supply chain of tobacco products.