Council Establishes Secretariat, Specialized Committees to Ensure Effective Consumer Protection

The Council for the Protection of Consumers has taken significant steps to strengthen its operations and enhance consumer protection in South Sudan. The newly enacted law allows the Council to establish specialized committees, comprising both internal members and external experts, to assist it in performing its functions.

Establishment of Secretariat and Specialized Committees

The law mandates the establishment of a secretariat within the Ministry of Trade, which will serve as the Executive Secretary of the Council. The Director General of the Ministry’s Directorate for Trade will be responsible for the overall administration and enforcement of the law.

Responsibilities of the Secretariat

• Executing the Council’s policies
• Managing its funds
• Coordinating its activities with other consumer groups

The Director General may delegate powers to any member of staff within the secretariat and may also revoke or vary such delegations as needed.

Consumer Redress Options

The law provides several avenues for consumers to seek redress in cases where their rights have been infringed upon. Consumers may approach a court, the Council, or attempt to resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

• Consumers may file complaints against suppliers
• The Council may initiate complaints against suppliers and refer them to consumer protection associations or other regulatory bodies for investigation
• The Minister of Trade has the power to prescribe procedures for filing complaints, initiating investigations, and handling complaints by regulations

Court Rulings

In cases where a supplier has acted inconsistently with the law, a court may award damages against them for collective injury to all or a class of consumers. The court may also order a supplier to alter or discontinue any conduct that is inconsistent with the law.

Damages and Orders

• Courts may award damages against suppliers for collective injury to all or a class of consumers
• Courts may order suppliers to alter or discontinue any conduct that is inconsistent with the law

Council Support and Public Awareness

The Council will collaborate with consumer protection groups registered in South Sudan, providing support for their activities such as consumer advice, research, and advocacy. The Council will also engage in public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities under the law.

Collaboration and Public Awareness

• The Council will provide support to consumer protection groups
• The Council will engage in public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities
• The Council may consult with regulatory authorities, states, and other stakeholders to identify practices that are inconsistent with the purposes of the law and develop proposals for reform