One of the most fundamental activities of any community is economic. As society becomes more complex and affluent, the range of goods and services available is increasing exponentially. As never before, there is the need for an informed and educated consumer.
Formalising consumer rights goes back to 1962 when US President John F. Kennedy recognised four basic consumer rights. These included the right to safe goods, correct information, a real choice of a wide variety of competitive products and services and the right to ensure that the government will listen to and take heed of consumer needs and interests.
These rights were confirmed in 1985 by the UN General Assembly that, in turn, added another four: The right to satisfying basic needs, such as essential goods and services, food, clothing, shelter and health care and the rights to be given redress, education and have a healthy environment.
These eight basic consumer rights now enjoy international recognition. But how many Maltese consumers would be aware of them? For many, consumer rights boil down to ensuring value for money. At most, the average consumer expects that the seller is compelled to honour his claims, give a fair price and be accountable for any shortcomings in the transaction.
As with any other rights, consumer rights depend on the ability of people to band together, set up associations and lobby for their interests. One of the most successful and credible consumer lobbies is Which? that was set up in UK in 1957. Fifty years later, it has become a powerful and respected body that has an overarching influential role, even forcing the British government to introduce various laws safeguarding consumers. It now aims to put consumer interests at the heart of EU's policy and decision-making processes. Indeed, the European Commission has just launched a consumer strategy stressing the need to boost confidence in the single market so that consumers can shop freely across borders in order to get the best price, the best quality and the product best suited for their needs.
Unfortunately, in Malta, awareness of consumer rights is still in its infancy. Although the Consumers' Association was set up in April 1982, its role is largely unknown. It is made up of volunteers who work without remuneration, acting mainly as a pressure group, trying to represent consumers' interests locally and also internationally thanks to its links to organisations such as Consumer International.
In its brief, it commits itself to educating consumers on their rights and helps them to seek redress where indicated.
All must realise there is so much more to consumer protection than chasing around for the cheapest buy. The informed public is being made more and more aware of the impact of commerce on the environment and on the social fabric and human rights of other people in the intricate web of international commerce.
Malta is obviously handicapped by its size and the relative public apathy in getting involved in social organisations that are not directly linked to partisan politics. However, it is in everybody's collective interest that this attitude changes.
The Consumer Association deserves all-round support in raising public awareness and promoting a culture that enables the consumer to make a more informed choice, creating a healthier and more competitive market.