World Consumer Rights Day (15th March)

Theme : 'Consumer Justice Now!'

The day has its origin in former US President John F. Kennedy’s declaration of four basic consumer rights in his 15th March 1962 special message to the US Congress such as: Right to safety, right to be informed, right to choose and right to be heard. ”Consumers by definition, include us all,” Kennedy said in his declaration to the US Congress.

To these four basic rights, Consumers International added four more rights: right to satisfaction of basic needs, right to redress, right to education and right to a healthy environment. World Consumer Rights Day was first observed on 15th March, 1983. Two years later, on 9th April 1985, the United Nations general assembly adopted the UN guidelines for consumer protection. and approved the idea to declare March 15 World Consumer Rights Day. The consumer movement now marks 15 March every year as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights.

Whether it is faulty products causing injury, utility service providers ignoring complaints, or irresponsible lending by banks, better consumer protection is always part of the solution.

Good consumer protection is not just about legislation, it can deliver justice, create a fairer society and even save lives.