INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY

A nation of hungry and poverty-stricken citizens cannot be peaceful. Poverty is the source of most evils, and the common man cannot remain loyal to his fellow countrymen as long as his stomach is empty.

Every year, the world marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17th October. This day is also called Poverty Day or World Poverty Day, and it is observed to create awareness of the extreme poverty conditions in some parts of the world and ways to eradicate the vice. The day is supported by many governments, NGOs, and other charitable organizations.

History of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The first observance of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was on Saturday, 17th October 1987, when 100000 people assembled in Trocadéro Paris, France to honor victims of poverty, violence, and hunger. The initiative was spearheaded by Father Joseph Wresinski, who was the founder of International Movement ATD Fourth World, a movement dedicated to curbing poverty. It is in Trocadéro that the UN Declaration of Human Rights was signed, and the principals agreed on carved in a commemorative stone.

In December 1992, the UN General Assembly designated 17th October as the official date to observe International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

In December 1995, the UN proclaimed the first decade (1997-2006) for the eradication of poverty following the Copenhagen Social Summit. In the Millennium Summit, leaders across the globe pledged themselves in eradicating poverty and reducing the number of people living in poverty by the year 2015.

Today, though not a public holiday, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed in all UN member countries.

How Is International Day For The Eradication Of Poverty Celebrated?

On this day, NGOs and community charity organizations support the day by organizing concerts and signing petitions that call for leaders and governments to hasten measures of the fight against poverty. If there is such an event in your neighborhood, honor the day by attending it. If there are no concerts in your area, relax at home and watch a film or documentary related to poverty. Some good films include. Living on One Dollar (2013), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Give Us The Money. (2012) or The Big Short (2015).

As an individual, go through your possessions at home. Then, donate anything that you no longer use to a local charity organization. It could be toys, books, old clothing, household items, and even sports equipment.

This is also the day to reflect on your life. Appreciate everything that you possibly take for granted. From daily food, water, education, clothing, shelter as well as social and sports activities. Remember, half of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 a day. Share your thoughts about poverty via social media forums using the hashtag #endpoverty.

You could also volunteer at a homeless shelter or related homes. Help in cleaning, playing with the kids, and submitting your donations to them.

Schools help students observe this day by conducting eradication of poverty essay competitions. The essays often address the causes of poverty and the ways in which the government and its citizens can help eradicate the same.

Global Poverty Facts and Statistics

- About one billion children live in poverty of which 22,000 die each day as a result of extreme poverty conditions.

- In 2011, 165 million children experienced stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition.

- Approximately 805 million people have insufficient food to eat.

- More than $1.3 billion people live on less than $1.25 a day.

- Two million children succumb to preventable diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea because they are too poor to afford proper treatment.