Understanding International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: History and Purpose
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 to raise awareness about poverty and support the rights of the impoverished.
New Delhi, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, also known as the International Day for Poverty Eradication, is observed annually on October 17. This day aims to eliminate poverty worldwide, particularly in developing nations, while raising awareness about the rights and struggles of the poor.
The observance began on October 17, 1987, when over 100,000 people gathered in Paris at the Trocadéro to honor those affected by extreme poverty, violence, and hunger. They united to voice their concerns under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted in 1948.
On this occasion, Joseph Wresinski, the founder of the international movement ATD Fourth World, unveiled a commemorative stone. Four years after Wresinski’s passing, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 47/196 on December 22, 1992, officially declaring October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Since then, people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs come together each year to reaffirm their commitment to solidarity with the impoverished.
This day serves as a platform to acknowledge the efforts and struggles of those living in poverty. It provides them an opportunity to voice their concerns and recognizes that they are at the forefront of the fight against poverty.
To promote the principles of this observance, an international committee was established in 2008. This committee includes individuals with direct experiences of extreme poverty and human rights defenders engaged in the fight against poverty. Each year, the committee participates in a consultative process through the platform for overcoming poverty, gathering suggestions from those with firsthand experiences to select a theme for the annual event on October 17.
