World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15th, serves as a reminder of the significance of consumer rights in ensuring fair and ethical practices in the marketplace. This year’s World Consumer Rights Day 2024 is a call to action for consumers throughout the world to empower themselves and campaign for their digital rights. World Consumer Rights Day is commemorated to raise awareness about customer rights. This is not equivalent to National Consumer Rights Day, while both highlight comparative rights.
History:
Think back to the early 1960s, when the world was experiencing seismic shifts – politically, socially, and economically. During this instability, consumer advocacy gained traction. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation of consumer rights, sparking a global movement. March 15th was designated World Consumer Rights Day in 1983, serving as a light of consumer awareness and advocacy around the world.
The Importance of Consumer Rights:
Consumer rights are more than just legal legislation; they are the foundation of a fair and equitable market. Consumer rights ensure that people are treated with decency, respect, and justice when they deal with businesses and organisations. In essence, consumer rights act as a safeguard against exploitation, deceit, and malpractice. They advocate for individual sovereignty in the marketplace, raising buyers to empowered stakeholders.
Theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2024:
As we approach World Consumer Rights Day 2024, a striking theme echoes through the hallways of advocacy: ‘Empowering Consumers in the Digital Age’. The theme emphasizes the importance of adapting consumer rights regimes to the complexity of the digital age. It invites us to tackle new issues like data privacy, cyber security, and algorithmic transparency. It encourages governments, corporations, and civil society to work together to ensure consumer rights are protected and safeguarded in the digital age.