Cairo: Arab consumer protection associations emphasized the importance of unifying efforts to ensure consumer safety and protect their rights. In a joint statement issued on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day 2026, which is being held this year under the theme "Safe Products for Confident Consumers," the associations called for the implementation of a joint awareness campaign in cooperation with Consumers International to promote product safety, raise awareness of consumer rights, and strengthen cooperation in this field.
According to Yemen News Agency, the statement clarified that access to safe products and services should not be a privilege but a right available to all consumers, regardless of their economic or geographical circumstances, especially in areas affected by wars and crises. The statement indicated that global studies show a significant percentage of products withdrawn from the market or banned from sale remain available through e-commerce, exposing consumers to real risks and undermining their confidence in the markets, negatively impacting local economies.
The statement further noted that, given the weakness of legislative and regulatory frameworks in many Arab countries, ensuring the availability of safe products is a major challenge requiring urgent, coordinated, and integrated action. It emphasized the need to support and develop strict and effective legislation to protect consumers from harmful products and to strengthen the role of consumer protection associations as genuine representatives and voices for consumers in shaping policies that protect them. It also stressed the importance of fostering cooperation between governments, the private sector, and civil society to guarantee product safety at every stage of its lifecycle, from design to final disposal.
The statement pointed out that product safety and quality are not only a legal responsibility but also a moral and humanitarian duty that positively impacts the health and well-being of society as a whole. It called for unified efforts and collective action to develop effective mechanisms for monitoring unsafe products and unreliable services, enhancing accountability, and implementing international best practices to ensure consumer safety and protect their rights.
The statement urged all stakeholders-governments, regulatory bodies, companies, consumer protection organizations, civil society, and consumers in the Arab world-to actively participate in World Consumer Rights Day 2026 by organizing awareness campaigns, seminars, research, and field activities to raise awareness and promote product safety and service quality.