On December 10, 1948, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), declaring the month Universal Human Rights month.
The theme for 2022 was “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All,” with a call to action to #StandUp4HumanRights. Unfortunately, for many suffering from tobacco addiction, their human right to harm reduction seems to have been lost amid that theme.
From seat belts to alternatives to smoking, harm reduction is the application of less harmful products and behaviors to limit the adverse effects of substances and everyday consumer goods. Harm Reduction International defines harm reduction as “grounded in justice and human rights. It focuses on positive change and working with people without judgment, coercion, (or) discrimination.”
Applying the principle to adults who smoke, tobacco harm reduction (THR) provides adults “who are unwilling or unable to quit … with less harmful nicotine products.”
Gerry Stimson, a prominent THR advocate, remarked that THR advocates “need to build alliances with those working in human rights, explore challenges under international, regional and national legislation, and establish tobacco harm reduction as fundamental to the right to health.”
A fundamental part of human rights and freedom is to live a life of dignity and have the right to health. For those who have been unable to quit smoking, their ability to live a healthy life is drastically reduced. While snus has helped reduce smoking-related diseases in Sweden and Norway, other European countries still ban this life-saving alternative to smoking. Vapor products have shown the capacity to help people stop smoking. Still, they are banned in countries such as India and Mexico. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are not legal to sell in Canada.
Kim Murray – DC Journal – 2023-01-05.
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