Consumer Protection Week encompasses activities organized each year during the week that includes March 15, World Consumer Rights Day, with the aim of reminding individuals of consumer rights and enhancing consumer awareness. Celebrated nationwide between March 15–21, this week seeks to ensure that consumers become aware of their rights and that public consciousness regarding consumer protection is strengthened.

History

The concept of consumer rights, in its modern sense, was first introduced by the President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in the House of Representatives. During this period, the importance of consumer rights was emphasized and the foundation of the contemporary understanding of these rights was laid. Consumer protection activities initially emerged in America, Europe and Scandinavian countries and gradually spread to Japan and other parts of the world.

The United Nations, with the aim of protecting and raising awareness of consumer rights at the international level, proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Consumer Rights and adopted World Consumer Rights Day. The declaration identifies eight fundamental consumer rights:

• The right to the satisfaction of basic needs,
• The right to the protection of health and safety,
• The right to the protection of economic interests,
• The right to information,
• The right to consumer education,
• The right to redress,
• The right to representation,
• The right to live in a healthy environment.

Consumer Protection in Türkiye

The origins of consumer protection regulations in Türkiye date back to the Ottoman period. The İhtisap and Ahi systems functioned to maintain balance among producers, distributors and consumers. In the modern era, the protection of consumer rights has been guaranteed by the Constitution and various regulations have been established within the framework of the legal system.

Consumer rights in Türkiye are protected through laws, regulations and court decisions. Raising consumer awareness and conducting educational and informational activities are essential for enabling consumers to exercise their rights effectively. For this purpose, relevant institutions provide guidance on legal rights and carry out awareness-raising activities.

Activities and Practices

During Consumer Protection Week, the importance of consumer rights is emphasized through various activities. Panels, seminars and radio and television programs are organized. The Ministry of Trade and its provincial organizations conduct educational, promotional and informational activities to inform consumers about their rights. Consumers are directly reached through information stands established in shopping centers and public areas.

To ensure the effective implementation of consumer rights, consumer arbitration committees operate throughout the country. These committees serve to resolve disputes between consumers and sellers or providers in a fair, prompt, simple and cost-free manner. In addition, the Consumer Information System, which offers the opportunity for electronic applications, enables the monitoring of application processes and facilitates accessibility.

Significance

Consumer Protection Week is important in terms of enabling consumers to learn their rights and fostering the development of a culture of conscious consumption. Educational and informational activities allow consumers to exercise their rights effectively. The activities carried out during this week raise citizens’ awareness of the applicability and social significance of consumer rights.

Consumer Protection Week is regarded as a period that aims to protect consumer rights and promote an understanding of conscious consumption at both the national and international levels.