New Delhi, October 16 (IANS). Every year on October 17, the whole world celebrates International Poverty Eradication Day. The purpose of this day is to remind the people of the world that poverty is not just a lack of money, but it is a deep problem related to human dignity, rights and opportunities. Even today, especially in developing countries, there are millions of people who are deprived of basic needs such as two meals a day, clean water and education. This day started on October 17, 1987 when around one lakh people gathered in the Trocadero in Paris. They came together in solidarity to honor those who suffer from poverty, violence and hunger and to declare that poverty is a violation of human rights. Later, in 1992, the General Assembly of the United Nations officially recognized this and decided that this day would be celebrated every year as a sign of solidarity with the poor and a decision to eradicate poverty. People living in poverty often face many kinds of hidden oppression. They are considered inferior in society and are ridiculed for their dress, speech or place of residence. Many times they are held responsible for their condition, which makes them even more isolated. This social abuse later turns into institutional abuse, when policies and systems are biased and the poor are not given equal access to education, health, housing or justice. Poverty Alleviation Day forces us to think that to end poverty, we need to change not only the economic policies, but also the inequality present in the society’s attitude and government structure. If we really want a just and peaceful society, we must stand with every person who has been left behind by society. –IANS PIM/ABM Share this story Tags
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: A step towards equality and dignity
