Raises awareness of consumer rights and requirements
World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is celebrated on March 15th every year to raise awareness about consumer rights and promote the importance of protecting them. The day was first observed in 1983, and since then, it has become an essential event for consumer organizations worldwide.
The history of WCRD dates back to the early 1960s when US President John F. Kennedy recognized the need to protect consumers’ interests. In his famous Consumer Bill of Rights speech in 1962, Kennedy highlighted the four basic rights of consumers, namely, the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard. These principles formed the foundation for modern consumer protection laws worldwide.
The significance of WCRD is to remind governments, businesses, and individuals that consumers have rights that need to be protected. Consumers are entitled to safe and reliable products and services, truthful and transparent information, and fair treatment in the marketplace. Consumer protection laws and regulations help to ensure that businesses operate fairly and responsibly, and that consumers have access to effective redress mechanisms when their rights are violated.
In many countries, consumer protection laws have been strengthened in recent years, but challenges remain. One of the most pressing issues is the proliferation of fake and counterfeit products, which not only deceive consumers but also pose a serious risk to their health and safety.
On World Consumer Rights Day 2023, consumer organizations will hold events and campaigns to promote consumer awareness and encourage governments and businesses to take concrete steps to protect consumers’ rights. Consumers are urged to participate in these activities and to speak out about their concerns and experiences.
World Consumer Rights Day 2023 is an opportunity to recognize the importance of consumer protection and to advocate for stronger laws and regulations to safeguard consumers’ rights. The theme of tackling plastic pollution highlights the urgent need for collective action to address one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time
World Consumer Rights Day, a global event that aims to raise awareness about consumer rights and requirements. The event is celebrated annually to remind consumers that they have the right to demand protection and remain safe from fraudulent market activities.
The history of World Consumer Rights Day is rooted in a speech given by U.S. President John F. Kennedy to the U.S. Congress on March 15, 1962. In his speech, he outlined the four basic consumer rights: the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard. Since then, World Consumer Rights Day has gained popularity and is now celebrated annually with a distinct theme.
It is important to note that consumers have the right to file a complaint from anywhere and at any time. However, many people are unaware of their rights as consumers. By commemorating World Consumer Rights Day, consumers can learn about their rights and demand protection against any purchase of a product or service that violates those rights.
Some of the hidden facts about consumer rights include the right to represent oneself in court, the right to know all the characteristics of a product or service, the right to choose the product or service, and the right to compensation or redress for unjust business practices.
However, only about 80 nations have agreed to include consumer protection principles in online commerce trade rules, indicating that more needs to be done to protect consumers in the digital age.
