It is no hidden fact that poverty is a great threat to the national growth and development of countries across the globe. One might not be out of place to express shock at the fact that in a world characterized by technological advancement, and unprecedented economic growth, people still live in extreme poverty. Needless to say, poverty is not just an economic issue; it is multidimensional and also encompasses lack of income and basic resources that can enable one to live in dignity.
Some of the numerous deprivations persons living in poverty are confronted with include:
- Consumption of foods lacking in nutrition
- Unsafe housing
- Dangerous work conditions
- Lack of political power
- Unequal access to justice
- Limited access to health care
These aforementioned problems are capable of preventing individuals living in poverty from realizing their rights and privileges. Hence, poverty can be described as moral outrage. The proclamation of October 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a bid by the United Nations to recognize the struggles of the impoverished and create awareness of their condition to governments and ordinary citizens.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an international observation day held annually on October 17 to educate the globe on challenges confronting poor people all over the world and also take measures to solve the problem. The events of October 17, 1987 which saw over a hundred thousand people gather at the Trocadéro in Paris, France, (a place the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948), to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger, laid the foundation for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The protesters declared that poverty is a violation of human rights and emphasized the importance of coming together to ensure that these rights are respected. With this development, people all over the world with different backgrounds, beliefs, and social leanings gather every year on October 17 to renew their commitment and show solidarity towards the cause of poor people.
In its resolution 47/196, which was adopted on December 22, 1992, the United Nations 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 concrete activities geared towards eradicating poverty and destitution. October 17 of every year, usually accompanied with a theme, is an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a unique platform for them to make their concerns heard, and a time to recognize that poor people are at the fore in the fight against poverty.
Acting Together to Empower Children, their Families and Communities to End Poverty
Today marks the 27th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly declaration that pronounced October 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This year’s observation, which equally marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, November 20, 1989), will be observed with the theme Acting Together to Empower Children, their Families and Communities to End Poverty. The UNCRC recognizes the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of race, religion or abilities. Particularly, the Convention emphasizes the right of every child to a standard of living that can positively influence the development of the child on all fronts (physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development).
Poverty negatively influence children development, and leads to lower income and health in adulthood. Recognition of child poverty as denial of children’s human rights will move governments and people in leadership positions to promote, protect and fulfill children’s rights.
Sources:
UN
UNICEF
Featured Image Source: UN
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