basic goods and services which guarantee survival; nity. adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, educa- Environmental Awareness – the responsibility to tion and sanitation. understand the environmental and other consequences The right to safety- the right to be protected of our consumption. We should recognize our individual against the marketing of goods or the provision of and social responsibility to conserve natural resources services which are hazardous to health and life. and protect the earth for future generations. The right to be informed- the right to be protected Solidarity – the responsibility to organize together as against dishonest or misleading advertising or label- to develop the strength and influence to COUNCIL OF ling. And the right to be given the facts and informa- promote and protect our interest. tion needed to make an informed choice. The right to choose- the right to choose products CONSUMER COUNCIL OF FIJI and services at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality. The right to be heard- the right to express consumer interest in the making and execution of government policies. The right to redress- the right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services. The right to consumer education- the right to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed consumer. The right to a healthy environment- the right to live and work in an environment which is neither threatening nor dangerous and which permits a life of For further imformation or enquiries contact the dignity and well-being. Consumer Council office nearest to you: The right to service – the right to receive the What You Should 4 Carnarvon St highest possible standard of service from public and Private Mail Bag private sector service providers regardless of consum- Tel: 330 0792 / 3305 478 Know About Us ers income and irrespective of whether they live in an Fax: 3300115 urban or rural area. Email: [email protected]

Consumer Responsibilities Lautoka Suite 4, Popular Bldg, Vidilo St PO Box 5396 Critical Awareness – the responsibility to be more Tel: 6664 987 Fax: 6652846 alert and questioning about the price and quality of Email: [email protected] goods and services we use. Action – the responsibility to assert ourselves and act Labasa 19 Jaduram St Funded by to ensure that we get a fair deal. As long as we remain PO Box 64 passive consumers we will be exploited. Tel: 8812 559 Social Concern – the responsibility to be aware of Fax: 8812 559 the impact of our consumption on other citizens, Email: [email protected] especially disadvantaged or powerless groups whether in the local, national or international commu- www.consumersfiji.org AusAID CONSUMER COUNCIL OF FIJI Making the consumer voice heard and making it count. consumer, where such support is deemed necessary; conducting research and investigations into matters Our Principles affecting consumers; About Us advising and assist consumers on matters affecting Campaign constantly and fearlessly to change the their interests; The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCOF) is a statutory orga- policies and practices that adversely affect consumer receiving complaints from consumers concerning nization established under the Consumer Council of Fiji interests; matters affecting their interests, and on receipt of Act -1976 (Cap 235). The Council comes under the Maintain a highly disciplined results-oriented focus on such complaints, investigate and take appropriate Ministry of Industry, Trade, Tourism and Communication. maximizing impact for consumers; action; It provides the external pressure as a to Maintain neutrality in solving consumer complaints; and co-operating with any person, association or organi- create a fair and just delivery of goods and services. It Carry out strong financial management and sound oper- zation outside Fiji having similar functions and becom- represents and protects the rights and interests of ating procedures. ing a member of or affiliate to any international orga- consumers and in particular the disadvantaged groups, nization concerned with consumer matters; and rural poor and women. Council Board Membership soliciting and accepting for the purposes of the Coun- cil any money, land, or other property from the CCOF is an advocacy (not regulatory or enforcement) Board members of the Council are appointed by the Minister Government, any local authority, public body, organi- organization, conducting rigorous research and policy for Industry, Trade, Tourism and Communications for a zation, or person by way of grant, subsidy, donation, analysis on key consumer issues. term(s) as the Minister may determine. The Chairperson of gift, or otherwise. CCOF is a full member of UK based Consumers Interna- the Council reports to the Minister. From corporate gover- tional, a federation of consumer organizations represent- nance perspective, a Board Charter is in place that sets the Council Services ing over 220 organizations in 115 countries. It is also a rules and procedures within which the Board functions. The member of Standards Association of New Zealand Board of Directors appoints the Chief Executive Officer to Campaign - campaign effectively on key issues that (SANZ) and the Fiji Forum of Non-State Actors. lead and manage the Council affairs within the legal frame- matter to consumers.

work and ethical standards. Education services – educate consumers in Our Vision schools, training institutions, communities and Functions of the Council through established organizations. The Council endorses the General Principles and Guide- Information & Media Services – inform consum- lines for Consumer Protection of the United Nations as Section 6 of the Consumer Council Act stipulates the ers through mass media promotions and publications briefly summarized in the General Principles. In that functions of the Council. The Council is required to do such in English, Fijian and Hindi and through organized context and through the Government’s effort to promote acts and things it considers necessary or expedient to public events. and protect consumer interest in the market place, the ensure that the interests of the consumers of goods and Research services – carry out research on selected Council has the Vision: services are promoted and protected. consumer issues and consumer protection legislations

that will ensure consumer protection is adequately To build a conscious and assertive consumer These functions include: provided for. movement in Fiji. advising the Minister on such matters affecting the inter- Conflict Resolution Services – to assist consumers

ests of the consumers; in resolving complaints through alternative dispute Our Mission making representations to the Government or to any resolution mechanisms in the marketplace, advisory other person/organizations on any issues affecting the services and legal representation. The Council will advocate and safeguard consumer’s interests of consumers; interests, through vigorous campaigns on key consumer collecting, collating and disseminating information in Consumer Rights issues, educate consumers on their rights and responsi- respect of matters affecting the interests of consumers; bilities and empower consumers towards a fair and safe supporting or maintaining legal proceedings initiated by a The right to satisfaction of basic needs – the right to marketplace.