MARCH 15 MARKS WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY

Every year, on 15 March the international community celebrates World Consumer Rights Day, the holding of which marked by the UN to the anniversary of speech of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in Congress in 1962. On this day 54 years ago, John F. Kennedy in his speech for the first time described the concept of "consumer" and designated basic consumer rights.

The international community celebrates this day since 1983. In Uzbekistan this day was recognized after the adoption of the law "On consumer protection" in April 1996. In honor of the holiday, our country hosts several activities, which purpose – raising consumer culture of the population. Another such activity - a press conference took place recently, during which representatives of the Federation of societies of consumer rights protection of Uzbekistan told journalists on the results of its activities in 2015 and plans to further increase the level of legal protection of consumers.

As was noted at the event, last year the Federation of societies of consumer protection, its municipal and district divisions received 7501 statements and appeals from consumers, 5116 of which were submitted in writing, and the remaining 2385 – verbally, via e-mail and telephone hotline.

It is worth to note that 6932 statements, that is almost 92% of all received were considered and resolved positively. The main part of complaints concerned the sphere of gas - and electricity – that is 28.6% and 18% respectively, as well as trade, which accounted for 20% of applications. As for other areas, such as health care, communications and others, in the aggregate their share accounted for some 33.4%.

According to representatives of the Federation, citizens seek for assistance on completely different issues – from solving problems with unreasonable debt on utilities up to returning clothes to the store. Despite the wide range of issues, the Federation shall make all efforts to protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, acting solely in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. A solid legal base in this field are provided by, in particular, the Laws "On protection of consumer rights", "On quality and safety of food products" and other legislative acts.

Submitting appeals is carried out according to the law "On appeals of individuals and legal entities", by which the complaints are considered within 15 days from the date of admission to the Federation. In order to create additional conveniences for the filing of complaints from consumers, a hotline with short phone number 1091 was launched in 2015.

Citizen’s appeals testify the willingness of citizens in safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers. In this regard, the strengthening of the control of the public in ensuring the exclusion of sale in the domestic market of poor-quality goods and services is an important factor in improving b0th legal and consumer culture of the population of Uzbekistan.

Returning to World Consumer Rights Day, it is worth noting that the holiday aims to protect the rights of people who purchase any product or service. Every year this day is held under a certain theme. This year the world community celebrates this day under the motto: "Eliminate the antibiotics from the menu".

Jahon Information Agency