Every year 15th March is celebrated as the World Consumer Rights Day. World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by President John F Kennedy, who sent a special message to the US Congress on 15th March 1962, in which he formally addressed the issue of consumer rights. He was the first world leader to do so. The consumer movement first marked that date in 1983 and now uses the day every year to mobilise action on important issues and campaigns. Objective World Consumer Rights Day is an annual international event that signifies celebration and solidarity in the international consumer movement, demanding that, consumer rights are to be respected and protected. The event also gives a chance to protest against the market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights. Theme for 2026 Each year, World Consumer Rights Day adopts a theme to highlight. This year the theme promoted is "Safe Products, Confident Consumers". Manufactured products are part of everyday life, yet their safety is not always guaranteed. From design and manufacturing to marketing and sale, countless decisions determine whether goods are reliable, compliant and fit for purpose. Across the world, consumers continue to encounter unsafe products – from children’s toys and household electronics to medicines and daily essentials. As global supply chains grow more complex and online commerce expands, dangerous products move faster and further. Product safety is more than a regulatory issue, it is fundamental to the human rights to life, health and safety. When systems fall short, consumers pay the price through injury, financial loss, environmental harm and, in the most serious cases, loss of life. Addressing these risks requires coordinated cross-border action, stronger enforcement and closer collaboration between governments, businesses and consumer organisations The campaign will advance the following Raising understanding and awareness that insufficient product safety undermines core human rights to life, health, and safety. When consumer groups, as the voice of consumers, are at the forefront of debates and policymaking and supported to contribute insights, evidence, and solutions, effective consumer-driven outcomes result. Strong collaboration between business, governments and consumer groups is essential to guarantee that safety is upheld at every stage of the product lifecycle. Robust cross-border safety systems are essential - including the use of innovation for effective information-sharing, the coordination of product recalls, and for the effective enforcement of policy and practice. Unified global standards and regulatory frameworks can help to see that all consumers are protected and will drive global cooperation and accountability. Source : Consumers International