International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – October 17, 2022, history, significance
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is on October 17 and we want to observe it by considering the ways we can help. Poverty is a real crisis that affects millions of people around the world. This is a day to acknowledge the suffering of people who have to deal with the consequences of poverty — hunger, violence, and homelessness. It is also a day to participate in the global campaign to end poverty.
History of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
On 17th October 1987 at the Trocadero in Paris, France more than 100,000 people assembled to honor the victims of poverty, hunger, and violence. From that time, various organizations and individuals worldwide started observing 17th October as a day to stimulate their dedication in participating towards eradicating poverty.
The UN General Assembly In December 1992 announced officially that 17th October is the date for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty or Poverty Day. In December 1995, the UN General Assembly indicated the 1st United Nations Decade (1997–2006) for the elimination of Poverty, after the Copenhagen Social Summit.
In the year 2000 at the Millennium Summit, leaders around the world pledged themselves to reduce by half the number of people living in destitution by the year 2015. Even though this Day for the Eradication of Poverty was 1st officially observed by the UN in the year 1993, many people around the globe celebrated the day every year on 17th October since 1987.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty or Poverty Day is observed worldwide and not it is not a public holiday. Poverty Day promotes and recognizes the struggles of those people living in extreme poverty and this day also gives people living in poverty a chance to make their worries and opinions heard, acknowledging that they are the 1st to fight against poverty.
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY TIMELINE
1987
Unveiling the Commemorative Stone
Father Joseph Wresinski unveils a stone that declares poverty a violation of human rights.
1992
The U.N. Creates the Day
The U.N. passes a resolution to observe October 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
2008
International Committee for October 17 is Formed
This committee is formed to promote and observe the day to eradicate poverty in the best way.
2018
The Third U.N. Decade to Eradicate Poverty
2018 to 2027 is declared as the third decade to eradicate poverty by accelerating global actions.
HOW TO OBSERVE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY
Join the online campaign
Use the hashtag #EndPoverty to add your voice to the worldwide campaign and amplify the voices of the poor who are trying to make their needs heard.
Organize an event
Reach out to homeless shelters and people in your community to organize an event where people living in poverty can explain what they need. Invite your community leaders to this event and work with them on a plan to help the poor in your area.
Volunteer with an organization working with poor people
Lend your time to an organization or a soup kitchen working with the less privileged so you can give back to your community on this day.
5 FACTS ABOUT GLOBAL POVERTY THAT WILL MAKE YOU JUMP TO ACTION
736 million people worldwide are extremely poor
As of 2016, millions of people live on less than $1.90 a day.
Global poverty is on the rise
Worldwide instability has pushed millions of people into poverty over the last few years.
Climate change is increasing poverty
Environmental disasters are causing people to end up poverty-stricken.
A temporary basic income can help
Giving people a basic income for a short period of time can help them get back on their feet.
Two-thirds of the world’s poor are children
Many children whose parents succumb to poverty are orphaned, leaving them even more vulnerable.
WHY INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY IS IMPORTANT
This is a global problem
All around the world, people are living in extreme conditions of hunger and fear, and these problems need multi-faceted solutions.
Poor people need to be heard
The people who have the problem are always the experts on that issue. This day offers an important opportunity to resolve poverty by making sure people who experience it can offer their solutions.
Poverty is solvable
If we all work together to address the social and environmental issues that cause poverty, then we can eradicate poverty from the world completely.
