International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on 17 October every year. As we know that poverty has many faces, and it changes from place to place. For some poverty is hunger, lack of shelter, being sick or not having enough money, etc. This day marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989. Poverty is a state or condition in which a person lacks financial resources and is not able to fulfil basic needs.
History of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty!
Over a hundred thousand people gathered on that day at the Trocadero in Paris. In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed at the Trocadero in Paris to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger. It was decided that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected. Since then, people come forward from all backgrounds and gathered on 17 October here to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor.
On 22 December 1992, resolution 47/196 was adopted by the General Assembly and declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. All the States and people are invited to promote the day and do various activities to eradicate poverty and destitution. It is necessary to end poverty everywhere in all its forms. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal is poverty also. Goal number one is to end poverty in all its forms and everywhere.
Background
In a world characterized by an unprecedented level of economic development, technological means, and financial resources, millions of persons are living in extreme poverty is a moral outrage. Poverty is not solely an economic issue, but rather a multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses a lack of both income and the basic capabilities to live in dignity.
Various non-government organizations and community charities support the Day for the Eradication of Poverty by actively calling for country leaders and governments to make the fight against poverty a central part of foreign policy. Other activities may include signing ‘Call to action’ petitions, organizing concerts and cultural events, and holding interfaith gatherings that may include a moment of silence.
Persons living in poverty experience many interrelated and mutually reinforcing deprivations that prevent them from realizing their rights and perpetuate their poverty, including:
- dangerous work conditions
- unsafe housing
- lack of nutritious food
- unequal access to justice
- lack of political power
- limited access to healthcare
