World Consumer Rights Day

The International Consumer Organization (CI) has issued a message and encouraged members to participate in activities calling on industry and relevant government agencies to take action to improve security, secure digital data, protect consumers and improve the accessibility of smart products.

On March 15, 1962, US President John F Kennedy was the first person in the world to outline a definition of consumer rights and to mark this event, the International Consumer Organization designated the 15 March every year to celebrate "World Consumer Rights Day". It is an occasion for global impact and solidarity in the international consumer movement, in which consumer organizations come together to highlight and raise awareness of an issue important to consumers around the world.

History of World Consumer Rights Day

56 years ago, on March 15, 1962, the late US President John Kennedy gave a speech in the US Senate.

Here, he asserted that "By definition, consumers include all of us. They are the largest group of people, influencing and being influenced by most economic decisions, even those of the government. State or private. They are the single most important group of people, yet their views are often overlooked …” Speech promoting consumer rights. Oppose social injustices and market abuses that harm consumers.

The Kennedy Declaration at first only emphasized four basic consumer rights: the right to safety, the right to choose, the right to express opinions and the right to information. These four rights are at the core of the credo of consumer protection organizations around the world. Through practical activities, the International Organization of Consumers (CI: Formerly the International Organization of Consumer Unions - IOCU - was later renamed the International Organization of Consumers. was founded by 5 groups of consumer organizations in the US, Western Europe, Australia in 1960. CI now has more than 260 member organizations in over 130 countries) and the Consumer Organizations in other countries have added more. The four rights of consumers are: the right to the satisfaction of basic needs, the right to compensation, the right to education, the right to live in a healthy environment.

With the selection of March 15 to become the International Consumer Rights Day, it has affirmed the role, position and importance of consumer protection for the stable and sustainable development of Vietnam society and country.

From now on, March 15 every year will be an occasion to promote propaganda, education and dissemination of laws and policies on consumer protection. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to mobilize and focus the attention, response and participation of the whole society in the protection of consumers' interests. Affirming that protecting the interests of consumers is the responsibility of the whole society. Thereby enhancing responsibility, encouraging cooperation and coordination among state management agencies, social organizations involved in protecting the interests of consumers, organizations and individuals trading goods, services in carrying out activities to protect the interests of consumers.

The theme of World Consumer Rights Day in recent years:

2012 launched by Consumer International (CI) is: "Our Money, Our Rights: The Movement for True Choice in Financial Services" ".

2013 launched by Consumer International (CI) is: "Justice for Consumers".

2014 launched by Consumer International (CI) is: "Consumer Rights in the Digital Age".

2015 launched by Consumer International (CI) is: "Healthy Nutrition".

2016 launched by Consumer International (CI) is: "Antibiotic Resistance" (ABR). The theme of Vietnam Consumer Rights Day 2016 is: Consumer's Right to Safety".

Observing World Consumer Rights Day

If you buy goods and services for personal use, you are a consumer, maybe as a consumer you may have had a bad experience. Maybe you bought a new product that broke within a few months of buying it. Or, maybe you hired someone to do the service but they didn't meet your needs. It doesn't matter, on World Consumer Rights Day, you will be protected from the organizations involved.

Consumers International, the member organization of consumer groups around the world will organize various events on each year on this day. These events protect the interests of consumers and are held in more than 100 countries.

Think about a time when your consumer rights were violated and what you did to fix it.

Discuss with others what our world would be like if consumers had no rights.

Educate yourself about the consumer rights you have.

Spread awareness of this day on social media with hashtag #WorldConsumerRightsDay.