The commemoration of the International Day for the
Eradication of Poverty will take place on 17 October 2018 at UN Headquarters in
New York under the theme: “Coming together with those furthest behind to
build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity”.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is important to recall the fundamental connection between extreme poverty and human rights, and that people living in poverty are disproportionately affected by many human rights violations.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is important to recall the fundamental connection between extreme poverty and human rights, and that people living in poverty are disproportionately affected by many human rights violations.
Joseph Wresinski was one of the first persons to highlight this
direct link between human rights and extreme poverty. In February 1987, he
appealed to the Human Rights Commission to examine the question of
extreme poverty and human rights and eloquently captured the nexus between
human rights and extreme poverty with his profound observation: “Wherever
men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are
violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected
is our solemn duty.”
Government policies alone cannot create the social
inclusion that is fundamental to reaching those left furthest behind and
overcoming poverty in all its dimensions. The commemoration of October 17
each year, when people living in poverty take the floor and share their
experiences, demonstrates how we can achieve greater social inclusion
by enabling people from all walks of life to come together to respect the
human rights and dignity of people living in poverty. It
underscores the importance of reaching out to people living
in poverty and building an alliance around their priorities with
citizens from all backgrounds to end extreme poverty. It recognizes the
important mutual roles and relationships we have with each
other based on our common and equal dignity.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
can strongly complement such initiatives because it aims to ensure that
the active participation of people living in extreme poverty is a driving
force in all efforts made to overcome poverty, including in the design and
implementation of programmes and policies which affect them. Only by creating
and nurturing a genuine partnership with people living with poverty will it be
possible to build an inclusive world where all people can enjoy their full human rights
and lead lives with dignity.
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