
Ombudsperson’s statement on the occasion of the World Consumer Rights Day
Pristina, March 15, 2022 – The symbolism of this date serves as a moment to return attention of our institutions on implementation of United Nations Resolution 39/248, the Instruction on consumer care or protection, as well as the Law on Protection of Consumer Rights issued by Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.
Protection of consumer rights requires even greater commitment and dedication of the relevant institutions that deal with the advancement and protection of consumer taxpayer rights. Respecting and protection of consumer rights is about preserving the health and safety of consumers and protecting them from any abusive practices in the market. Although the Constitution and applicable laws guarantee all citizens of Kosovo security and quality in the supplies provided, food security remains a challenge for our institutions and society, both in local market products and in imported goods.
Law no. 06 / L-034 on Consumer Protection, which is also harmonized with the Directives of the European Union governing this field, applies to the regulation of relations between consumers on the one hand and manufacturers, sellers, suppliers, wholesalers or products or services providers on the other hand to protect the consumer from unfair commercial practices in the market of the Republic of Kosovo.
The Ombudsperson, as a state mechanism mandated for the protection, monitoring and promotion of human rights, requires from responsible institutions to continue to exercise increased supervision over manufacturers, suppliers, sellers or providers of products or services, especially in this period when abusive practices with increased prices and application of unfair practices directly harm the consumer.
Through this statement, the Ombudsperson also reminds the consumer about the rights he/she has and the important role she/he plays in order not to be subjected to abuses or other forms of abuse in the market, thus preserving the health and personal well-being of the family.