International Convention against Doping in Sport

With the Tour de France in operation, and the Olympic Games about to start, there should be a considerable interest in the International Convention Against Doping in Sport. The convention, drafted under the auspices of the UNESCO with significant U.S. Government involvement and support, is intended to harmonize and coordinate the activities of governments in combating doping in sport. The convention addresses a variety of areas that are essential in promoting anti-doping controls, such as scientific and medical research, prevention and education activities, and regulations involving doping substances and methods. It already has been ratified by more than 80 countries and entered into force for the signatories on February 1, 2007.

According to the State Department, the Convention was forwarded to the U.S. Congress for ratification in February. In late June the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously advanced the treaty for a final vote on the floor of the Senate. According to cott Burns, deputy director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the U.S. is already in compliance with the convention and no new laws, policies or financial obligations would be required for its ratification.

According to the Associate Press:

Ratification is considered a boost for any country hoping to host the Olympics. The United States is the only country among the seven bidding for the 2016 Games that hasn't put the treaty into law. The host city will be chosen in October 2009.

Go to the UNESCO anti-doping in sport website.