The session aims to share on the implementation of the UN Guidelines on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, focusing on discussing the challenges faced by consumer protection agencies in developing countries in the context of COVID-19 in promoting economic recovery after the crisis, strengthening the role of UNCTAD in supporting consumer protection agencies, and the need to enhance cooperation between countries in this field.

The meeting was held online and in person at the United Nations Office in Geneva, with the participation of officials representing competition authorities and a number of experts, scholars, and representatives of the Delegations of member countries in Geneva.

UNCTAD Acting Secretary-General Isabelle Durant emphasized: “The severe economic consequences of the pandemic require us to address the needs of consumer protection, especially where people are more vulnerable and at greater risk.”.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva, as Vice-Chair and Rapporteur of the Meeting, unanimously elected by member countries, chaired the meeting on the afternoon of July 5 and the morning of July 6 of the Meeting.

The Vietnamese delegation was attended online by officials from the Competition and Consumer Protection Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) and representatives of the Vietnamese Delegation in Geneva.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai and the Chilean Ambassador to the World Trade Organization.

Voluntary national assessment of consumer protection laws and policies.

Within the framework of the above session, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai also chaired a meeting on Chile's voluntary assessment in this area.

The session heard Chile present its consumer protection practices, and a group of experts shared their comments and assessments on this issue.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai and members congratulated the Government of Chile on successfully conducting the voluntary assessment of consumer protection laws and policies.

The UNCTAD Working Group on Voluntary Assessment in this area presented an assessment of Chile's consumer protection laws and policies with contents related to: overview; political, economic, and social context; legal framework, public policy, and institutional framework on consumer protection; conclusions and recommendations.

UNCTAD encourages interested member states to register to participate in the voluntary peer review of consumer protection laws and policies. According to the UNCTAD Working Group Report, the Group has so far assessed a number of countries, such as Chile, Peru, Indonesia, Morocco, etc.

Global efforts to unite and support the vulnerable.

Ms. Teresa Moreira, Head of Competition and Consumer Policy at UNCTAD, said that 2020 has seen united efforts among governments around the world to protect consumers from further vulnerability; ensuring access to public utilities is a top priority for everyone.

Ms. Moreira said that the needs of vulnerable consumers can only be fully addressed through an appropriate legal framework that includes principles and obligations for public utility service providers, such as universality, regularity, quality, and affordability.

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai and Ms. Teresa Moreira, Head of the Competition and Consumer Policy Section of UNCTAD.

Support measures by governments include financial assistance to vulnerable households to pay utility bills and subsidies to suppliers to collect debts from disadvantaged consumers.

Consumer protection agencies in countries heavily affected by the pandemic have enhanced information and education campaigns to promote the effective use of digital-based utilities, improved access to dispute resolution, and adapted mechanisms for faster resolution of consumer complaints.

Mobilizing the private sector.

While governments have the primary responsibility to help vulnerable consumers, civil society and businesses must also contribute to building an inclusive and cohesive environment that integrates support for vulnerable consumers across multiple sectors, said Helena Leurent, Director General of Consumers International.

The United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Protection recommend that good business practices be regularly reviewed by public service providers, especially when dealing with vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers.

Nshani Sothirachagan, a lawyer at Standards Malaysia, said that voluntary commitments and ISO standards need to continue to be promoted to improve the welfare of vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers, especially in developing countries.

Measures needed to protect consumers.

UNCTAD calls on governments to take three key actions to meet the essential needs of vulnerable consumers for public utilities. First, it is necessary to engage in public policy discussions with all relevant stakeholders, including consumer and business organizations and research organizations, to identify the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.

In addition, governments should enact laws that stipulate consumer rights and obligations of public utility service providers, taking into account the special needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers.

In addition, governments should regularly review and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of policy programs to ensure that the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers for public utilities are met.

The Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy is a standing body established under the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection to monitor the implementation of the Guidelines, provide a forum for discussion, conduct research, provide technical assistance, conduct voluntary peer reviews, and periodically update the Guidelines.

The Group has met annually since its first meeting in 2016.

According to Baoquocte.vn