onica n. makwakwa, head regional office for africa consumers international world consumers new...

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Onica N. Makwakwa, Head Regional Office for Africa Consumers International World Consumers New challenges for consumer protection

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Onica N. Makwakwa, Head

Regional Office for Africa

Consumers International

World ConsumersNew challenges for consumer protection

Overview

• About Consumers International

• Global State of Consumer Protection

• Emerging Issues

• UN Guidelines

About Consumers International

• 250 members

• member organisations in 120 countries

• Funded by membership fees and donors

• Advocate for consumer rights on the global stage

• Only accredited consumer representative at UN, OECD, ISO and other bodies.

The state of consumer protection around the world

Barely half (52%) of the countries surveyed have a national policy to protect consumers.

The state of consumer protection around the world

91% of governments fine companies that violate consumer laws…

….only 55% order financial compensation to consumers.

The state of consumer protection around the world

Less than a third of governments (29%) have mechanisms in place to resolvee-commerce disputes out of court.

The state of consumer protection around the world

Barely half (52%) require companies to disclose energy consumption of home appliances.

The state of consumer protection around the world

75% of our members are consulted by governments on the development of consumer laws and policy.

Emerging Issues

• Remittances

• e-commerce and redress

• health – obesity, corporate responsibility

• food safety

• ewaste/recylcing

UN Guidelines

• Right to the satisfaction of basic needs

• The right to safety

• The right to choose

• The right to be heard

• The right to redress

• The right to consumer education

• The right to a healthy environment

UN Guidelines

were last amended:

• The iPod had not yet been invented.

• It was the year Napster was first sued by the music industry for promoting illegal file sharing.

• Facebook would not exist for another 5 years.

• The first international anti-globalisation protests only took place that same year.

Summary of Proposal for UNGCP

• All consumers must be recognised

• Digital consumption acknowledged

• More emphasis on fairness in the market

• Acknowledge health as a cornerstone of responsible marketing

• Improved coverage of financial services, water, energy, food and pharmaceuticals

• International day for consumer protection recognized

• Establish a Standing Commission

Key Amendments for the Digital

• Equivalent consumer protection for analogue and digital, online and offline

• Neither fine print nor digital locks can be used to override consumer rights

• Personal information must be collected with consent and protected against misuse

• Affordable, neutral and diverse Internet, and consumers retain control over content

• Extra protections for online transactions

[email protected] you

[email protected]

Twitter: @CI_Africa