World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually by consumer associations worldwide. Consumers commemorate the historic day on March 15, 1962, when US President John F. Kennedy declared these four basic consumer rights:

1) The right to safety. To be protected against hazardous goods;

2) The right to be informed. So that consumer decisions are not influenced by fraudulent or misleading advertising and labelling, or any other deceptive practices;

3) The right to choose. To have a wide variety of competitive products and services; and

4) The right to be heard. To ensure that government will always take into consideration consumer needs and interests.

Subsequently, these rights earned international recognition by the United Nations and governments, enabling all citizens to have specific basic consumer rights, regardless of their income or social standing.

On April 9, 1985, the UN General Assembly adopted the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection, which provide a framework for strengthening national consumer protection policies around the world. The guidelines comprised Kennedy's four basic consumer rights plus another four that Consumers International and other organisations had lobbied for:

5) The right to satisfaction of basic needs, such as essential goods and services, food, clothing, shelter and health care;

6) The right to redress, such as compensation for misrepresentation, faulty goods and unsatisfactory services;

7) The right to education; and

8) The right to a healthy environment.

Eventually, the eight consumer rights earned their merited recognition globally.

Malta joins in World Consumer Rights Day celebrations

This event is now regularly celebrated and the purpose is to remind everybody that their role as consumers is important to the development and implementation of an acceptable, diverse product and service.

The sustainability of our quality of life today depends on our ability to maintain this balance of acceptability and diversity. Our economy depends, to a large extent, on tourism. The diversity and quality of our products and services will also ensure that we do not lose global market share of this industry.

Tomorrow at 6 p.m., the Information and Client Affairs Directorate at the Consumer and Competition Division is organising a socio-educational soirée for the family at St Aloysius College, Birkirkara.

The evening will include puppetry with popular TV stars Mini and Griz; the L-Isfida group; Annalise dancers; Fabrizio Faniello; Sophie, and Olivia Lewis.

The theme will centre on the importance of consumer awareness today, particularly concerning online purchasing. Well known TV personality Claudette Pace will compère the evening.

Guests will be invited to view information stands set up by various Government authorities and entities. There will be information on health, tourism and hospitality, the euro as well as the FAIR scheme, the European Consumer Centres which provide advice and help in 27 countries, including Malta, concerning consumer issues.

For more information call 2144-6250. Entrance to the soirée is free.