The UNHQ policy
established a complete ban on smoking inside United Nations Headquarters. Smoking is permitted only in designated open-air areas that are marked and signposted.
Please remember that terraces, verandas, entrances and other outdoor spaces are not automatically smoking areas. Smoking and vaping should take place only where the area is specifically designated and clearly marked.
Why this matters
The World Health Organization states that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and that fully smoke-free environments provide the most effective protection. Even brief exposure can affect cardiovascular and respiratory health, particularly for people with asthma, cardiovascular disease, other respiratory conditions, or heightened sensitivity to smoke.
Second-hand smoke can drift beyond the person smoking and affect colleagues, delegates, visitors and service personnel who have not chosen to be exposed. Vape aerosol may also contain nicotine, ultrafine particles and other potentially harmful substances; for this reason, vaping is subject to the same UNHQ restrictions.
What is expected
Smoke or vape only in officially designated and signposted open-air smoking areas.
Do not smoke near terraces, outdoor dining areas, entrances, windows, ventilation intakes or locations used for meetings and gatherings unless specifically designated.
Respect requests from staff, delegates or visitors who may be affected by smoke or aerosol.
Extinguish and dispose of tobacco products safely and keep designated areas clean.
A respectful smoke-free environment is a shared responsibility.
