World Consumer Rights Day

By John Lee Hancock

World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually by consumer organizations worldwide.It commemorates the historic declaration on March 15,1962 by John F.Kennedy,the former U.S.President,of the basic Rights of consumers,which include right to safety and right to be informed.

This declaration has led to international recognition by governments and the United Nations that all citizens,regardless of their incomes or social standing,have certain basic Rights as consumers.Officially,World Consumer Rights Day was first observed on March 15，1983 and has since become an important occasion for mobilizing citizen action,with recognition of consumer rights taking off around the world.On April 9，1985,the United Nations Assembly General Assembly adopted the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection that provide a framework for strengthening national consumer protection policies around the world.

The guidelines included Kennedy’s four basic consumer rights plus another four:the right to satisfaction of basic needs;the right to redress(赔偿);the right to education;and the right to a healthy environment.Currently,the fundamental consumer rights are recognized globally.

World Consumer Rights Day normally has a theme associated with an activity or development that is relevant to consumers.Whatever their objectives,they share the same underlying aim of bringing about important and needed benefits for consumers.

In recent years,progress has been made for recognition and protection of consumer rights in developing countries.At least,March 15 is a day when consumers are filled with pride and satisfaction.However,there are many reports on violation of consumer rights by unethical marketing practices.