A view of the United Nations Headquarters
© AFP/File Timothy A. Clary

GENEVA (AFP) - "The General Assembly deserves congratulations for protecting the health of delegates, employees and visitors," said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, praising member states for having "set a tremendous example."

The General Assembly on Monday passed a resolution imposing a blanket ban on indoor smoking and tobacco sales at the Manhattan headquarters as well as recommending the same action for other UN offices worldwide.

"Uruguay -- the first smoke-free country in the Americas -- deserves particular praise for sponsoring the smoke-free resolution and working long and diligently to ensure its passage," said Chan.

Tobacco kills 5.4 million people per year through lung cancer, heart disease and other diseases, according to a WHO report released February.

©AFP