International Day for Eradication of Poverty: Know its significance, history, theme and goal

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 every year to initiate conversation and raise awareness about poverty which impacts human lives all over the world. On this day which is meant to highlight the need and ways for the eradication of poverty, OTV presents a report on its significance, history, this year’s theme and the goal set by the United Nations (UN) for 2030. 

Significance

The day aims at improving access to sustainable livelihoods, empowering people living in poverty and their organisations, addressing the disproportionate impact of poverty on women, providing universal access to basic social services and developing social protection systems to support those who cannot support themselves.

With an aim to end poverty in all its forms everywhere, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty also motivates people who are living in poverty and fighting in their day-to-day life. 

Through resolution 47/196 adopted on 22 December 1992, the General Assembly declared October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and invited all States to devote the day to presenting and promoting, as appropriate in the national context. The Day is observed to acknowledge the effort and daily struggle of people living in poverty.

Origin 

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was first celebrated on October 17, 1987, to commemorate the victims of extreme violence, poverty, and hunger. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.  Poverty is a violation of human rights and there is an urgent need to come together to ensure that the rights of people living below the poverty line are respected. These convictions are inscribed in a commemorative stone unveiled on this day. Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and social origins have gathered every year on October 17 to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor.

This year’s theme

Dignity for all in practice is the umbrella theme of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty for 2022-2023.  This year marks the 35th anniversary of the World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty and the 30th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This Day honours the millions of people suffering from poverty and their daily courage and recognizes the essential global solidarity and shared responsibility we hold to eradicate poverty and combat all forms of discrimination. Dangerous work conditions, unsafe housing, lack of nutritious food, unequal access to justice, lack of political power and limited access to health care are believed to be the main reasons of poverty across the globe.

Goal 2030

According to the UN official website, “With the commitment to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure all people everywhere enjoy peace and prosperity, the 2030 Agenda again gestured toward the same promise established under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, the current reality shows that 1.3 billion people still live in multidimensional poverty with almost half of them children and youth.”