Framework Conventions – are they a good idea?

Some NGOs are proposing the idea of a Global Convention to Protect and Promote Healthy Diets.

Although IBFAN totally supports the idea of legally binding controls and is strongly behind the Treaty Alliance for a Business and Human Rights Convention,  I do think its  important to think this one through.

Getting the International Code and WHA Resolutions adopted and into effective  legislation was and still is a major struggle – primarily because of corporate opposition and lobbying.

Before embarking on a new Convention surely there needs to be a very clear process governing interactions with corporations. It is what is meant to be happening in the WHO Reform process,  where  instead major fudging and  the ‘multi-stakeholderisation’ of governance is being pushed as the ideal by the corporations.  

If they win, there will be a high probability of inappropriate  corporate involvement. In such a climate a proposal for a  Convention needs to be strong and unequivocal at the outset,  if it’s not to be ‘neutered’ on in its long journey to adoption. 

You may be interested to read the following comments

Comment by the People’s Health Movement (PHM)  on a Framework Convention for Global Health

The new world food and nutrition order   Comment by Geoffrey Cannon in  World Public Health Nutrition

Our piece in SCN Journal: Governments should Govern and Corporations should follow the rules