BACKGROUND: The tobacco industry has a long history of systematic human rights abuses, including deceptive marketing, targeting vulnerable populations, and suppressing scientific evidence about the harms of tobacco. These actions have resulted in millions of preventable deaths and widespread suffering globally. While some legal challenges have been successful, existing mechanisms for holding the industry accountable remain inadequate.
METHODS: This abstract proposes the establishment of international big tobacco accountability tribunals, modeled on human rights tribunals used to address crimes against humanity and other grave violations. These tribunals would provide a platform for victims of the tobacco epidemic to seek justice and reparations. The tribunals would draw upon international human rights law, public health evidence, and testimonies from individuals affected by tobacco-related diseases to establish the industry's culpability for human rights abuses.
RESULTS: (Anticipated): The establishment of these tribunals is expected to:

Provide a platform for justice: Offer victims of the tobacco epidemic a forum to share their stories and seek redress for the harms suffered.

Hold the industry accountable: Formally recognize and condemn the tobacco industry's human rights violations, potentially leading to legal sanctions and financial penalties.

Deter future abuses: Send a strong message that the industry will be held accountable for its actions, discouraging future harmful practices.

Promote public awareness: Raise public awareness about the tobacco industry's human rights abuses and the devastating consequences of tobacco use.

Support global tobacco control: Contribute to the global movement for tobacco control by strengthening legal frameworks and providing a moral imperative for action.

CONCLUSIONS: Big tobacco accountability tribunals offer a powerful new tool to hold the industry accountable and provide justice for those harmed by its products. This approach can bolster the global fight against tobacco, ensuring the industry is held responsible for the devastating consequences of its actions.