On March 15, 1962, John F. Kennedy spoke about consumer rights at the US Congress. On that occasion, Kennedy proposed four basic consumer rights: The right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose and the right to be heard, and Congress recognized these rights.
Not long after the first celebration of this day, the UN General Assembly adopted the UN Consumer Protection Directives. They included the principles of eight consumer rights and provided frameworks for the adoption and strengthening of national consumer protection policies. In them, in addition to Kennedy’s four consumer rights, at the suggestion of Consumer International, there are four more; The right to meet basic needs, the right to compensation, the right to education and the right to a healthy environment. (source: World Consumer Rights Day – Consumer Protection Movement – Serbia (pokretpotrosaca.org.rs))
To celebrate World Consumer Rights Day each year there is a special theme that addresses various concerns related to all consumers. This year, Consumers International announced that the theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2021 is “Fighting Plastic Pollution”. The campaign will raise awareness and engage consumers worldwide to adopt and promote more sustainable practices.
“Plastic pollution is one of the most important issues facing our planet right now. Consumer awareness of the plastic crisis is growing worldwide. Consumers play a crucial role in shaping markets and we must support them in mobilizing businesses and governments to ensure that sustainable consumption is accessible to all.” – Helena Leurent , CEO, Consumers International