Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
World Consumer Rights Day is an annual occasion for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement. It marks the date on which a significant speech about consumer rights was delivered.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
World Consumer Rights Day is observed every year on the 15th of March.
The date was chosen to commemorate the special message sent to the US Congress by President John F. Kennedy on March 15, 1962. In this historic speech, he formally addressed the issue of consumer rights, being the first world leader to do so. He outlined four basic consumer rights: the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard.
The consumer movement has since built upon this foundation, and the day is now used to raise global awareness about consumer rights and needs.
Note: This is different from India's National Consumer Day, which is celebrated on December 24th to mark the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.