Third observatory of the tobacco industry facing the COVID19 pandemic

STOP, is an international monitoring organization that tracks the tobacco industry's interference practices in public policies. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the organization has noted a resurgence of activity by this industry in many countries around the world. This resurgence in the tobacco industry's presence is closely linked to the Covid19 pandemic, which allows it to whitewash its image. To report on these actions, STOP ensures vigilance and reports on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives as a process for improving the image of manufacturers, in particular through targeted donations of materials, equipment or money. These reports are not exhaustive. They aim to illustrate and share the main facts and emerging trends observed from multiple sources. The organization also calls on readers to be vigilant in reporting additional activities and invites them to disseminate the data in this document.The first edition covered a 4-week period from March 20 to April 16, the second covers the period from April 17 to May 1, this one from May 1 to 15, the next issue of this observatory will be broadcast on June 4, 2020.Major trends to remember:

• Continuation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities: BAT highlighted its corporate social responsibility policy during the epidemic and published a work plan as part of a open letter Chairman and CEO Jack Bowles. PMI and Altria have also both emphasized their CSR policies during this situation and communicated their commitments at their annual general meetings in early May.
• Human Rights Abuse: Increased pressure and interference from the tobacco industry to reopen factories or continue production against the advice of health authorities has put many of its workers at risk. This has contributed to the spread of the virus especially among employees where many positive cases have been diagnosed, leading to quarantines and deaths.
• Continuation of marketing campaigns: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) investigated and reported on attempts by tobacco companies to use the lockdown and StayAtHome advice to promote their brands on social media. For example, tobacco manufacturer BAT promoted its tobacco brand “Glo” masks worn by influencers on social media. Kazakhstan.
• Continued industry interference in policy and research: Tobacco industry fronts, such as the PMI Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, are using research findings to advance their interests and imply that the tobacco sales ban during lockdown is irrelevant.

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