New TCRG commentary: tobacco control advocates should be recognised as Human Rights Defenders

A new article from the Tobacco Control Research Group and Action on Smoking and Health, published in Tobacco Control, argues that tobacco control advocates should be recognised as Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) under international law.

While tobacco control has long been grounded in human rights principles – particularly the right to health – this is the first paper to apply the HRD framework to the field.

The authors outline how doing so could unlock underused protections, align tobacco control more explicitly with global justice efforts, and help safeguard advocates facing harassment, legal threats, and intimidation.

Lead author Britta K Matthes notes:

Tobacco control advocates are on the front lines of public health and corporate accountability, and some face serious pushback. We hope this commentary helps bring greater visibility and institutional support to those who are targeted simply for defending the right to health.

Read the paper:

“Tobacco control advocates as human rights defenders: a call for recognition”. B.K. Matthes, K. Romeo-Stuppy, Tobacco Control, Published Online First: 8 October 2025, doi: 10.1136/ tc-2025-059705

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