ADVICE

Here are some Human Rights Questions and Answers:

THE 7 CONSUMER RIGHTS

1.THE RIGHTS TO SAFETY - which means the right to be protected against products, production processes, and services which are hazardous to health or life. The right to safety has been broadened to include the concern for consumers” long-term interest, not only their immediate desires.

2. THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED - which means the right to be given the facts needed to make an informed choice or decision. The right to be informed now goes beyond avoiding deception and the protection against misleading advertising, labeling or other practices. Consumers should be provided with adequate information, enabling them to act wisely and responsibly.

3. THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE - which means the right to have access to a variety of products and services ant competitive prices and in the case of monopolies, to have an assurance of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price. The right to choose has been reformulated to read: The right to basic goods and services. This is because the unrestrained right of a minority to choose can mean for the majority a denial of its fair share.

4. THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD - which means the right to be represented so that consumers’ interests receive full and sympathetic consideration formulation and execution of economic policy. The right is being broaden to include the right to be heard and represented in the development of products and services before they are produced or set up; it also implies representation, not only in government policies, but also in those of other economic powers.

5. THE RIGHT TO REDRESS - which means the right to a fair settlement of just cliam. This right has been generally accepted since the early 1970’s . It involves the right to received compensation for mis-representation or shoddy goods or services, and where needed, claims should be available.

6. THE RIGHT TO CONSUMER EDUCATION - which means the right to acquire the knowledge and skills to be an informed consumer throughout life. The right to consumers education incorporated the right to the knowledge and skills needed for taking action to influence factors which affect consumer decisions.

7. THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT - which means the right to physical environment that will enhance the quality of life. This right involves protection against environment problems over which the individual consumer has not control. It acknowledges the need to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations.