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What role does the UN play in enforcing international consumer protection laws? 


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The United Nations (UN) plays a crucial role in enforcing international consumer protection laws by promoting the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection and encouraging member states to create awareness and implement suitable legislation . These guidelines, established in 1985 and revised in 1999 and 2015, provide a framework for effective consumer protection legislation, enforcement institutions, and redress systems, aiming to address global challenges faced by consumers, especially in sectors like financial services and e-commerce . The UN's involvement in consumer protection has evolved to include international cooperation, sharing of experiences, and the creation of an institutional machinery under UNCTAD to oversee guideline implementation, reflecting a shift towards global governance in consumer protection laws .

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The UN, through UNCTAD, oversees the implementation of international consumer protection laws, notably the UNGCP, contributing to the emerging global governance regime on consumer protection.
Book ChapterDOI
20 Jan 2022
The UN, through UNCTAD, promotes guidelines for consumer protection, encouraging Member States to raise awareness and implement policies for safeguarding consumers in public and private sectors.
Book ChapterDOI
20 Jan 2022
The UN reaffirms consumer protection guidelines to assist Member States in formulating and enforcing laws, promoting international cooperation, and sharing experiences to enhance consumer protection globally.
Book ChapterDOI
29 Aug 2022
The UN, through UNCTAD, promotes guidelines for consumer protection, encouraging member States to raise awareness and implement measures for safeguarding consumers in public and private sectors.

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