Strengthening Consumer Rights through UN Guidelines – InfoCons Consumers Protection keeps you informed !
The United Nations first established its Guidelines for Consumer Protection in 1985, following advocacy efforts led by Consumers International. Designed to set a global standard for fair treatment of consumers, these Guidelines have been revised twice—first in 1999, and more comprehensively in 2015—to remain relevant to the evolving challenges consumers face globally.
Though not legally binding, the Guidelines carry significant influence due to their endorsement by the UN General Assembly and the broad consensus among nations and subject-matter experts. They serve as a foundational reference point for governments developing or reforming national consumer protection laws.
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Consumers International: Driving Progress in Consumer Rights
Consumers International played a critical role in shaping the 2015 revision. Partnering with global consumer organizations and regulatory bodies, they proposed a robust set of updates to ensure the Guidelines met modern needs. Notably, over 90% of their recommendations were incorporated in what became the first major overhaul of the document in more than three decades.
Key enhancements proposed included:
- Recognizing access to essential goods and services as a basic consumer right
- Introducing protections for digital and financial service users
- Strengthening consumer privacy rights
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Implementation and Oversight
To support long-term implementation and relevance, Consumers International advocated for a structured mechanism to oversee the Guidelines. This resulted in the formation of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy. The IGE facilitates dialogue, tracks progress, and ensures that the Guidelines inform practical policy actions. Consumers International continues to participate in this process as an observer.
The adoption of the revised Guidelines in December 2015 marked a significant milestone in consumer advocacy. It not only acknowledged emerging consumer needs but also reinforced the importance of protecting disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Moving forward, Consumers International is working closely with its global network to translate the momentum from this revision into impactful national and international consumer protection strategies.
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Source : Consumers International
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