WADA Waits For More Ratification

The head of the World Anti-Doping Agency had challenged more than 100 countries last Wednesday, in Laussane, Switzerland, to sign the United Nations treaty that incorporates mandates against drug cheats into national law.


As stated by WADA president John Fahey, 77 countries have ratified the UNESCO Convention on Doping in Sport, ever since it came into effect on February 1, 2007. Incidentally, there were 191 nations who signed a declaration stating their support this convention at the WADA world conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. This happened four years ago.


However, it has come to light that this declaration of support is not enough. There must be universal ratification that will provide lasting power to the anti-doping movement, as well as a stronger influence, and more workable tools, to come up with solution to the major issues in the world of sports. Addressing laws and regulations concerning the prohibition of the proliferation of drugs and other harmful substances at a national level is extremely difficult without government engagements to fortify them.


Canada is one of the nations that have already ratified the convention though the United States hasn't yet, despite the support from the Bush administration and legislation already being progressed by Congress. Former Australian finance minister Fahey however, asserted that US has a good chance of following shortly after, as of course, nations have genuine reasons for taking the slow lane when it comes to making decisions such as implementing a particular set of laws.


The convention, once ratified, will ensure that the World Anti-Doping Code becomes part of national law, and will commit the nation to making extended efforts to prevent cross-border trafficking of sporting drugs, providing a national drug-testing program, and the withholding of funds from athletes who are caught violating the code.


Among the existing efforts already made in response to the ratification of the convention is a standard regulatory framework to be implemented by law enforcement agencies. These agencies will also have training to be able to identify, target and promptly arrest cheaters. While a considerable number of nations have already put this into action, there's still a fair amount of other governments who have yet to outlaw drug using practices.