Why does October 17th hold special significance? It’s not just a random date; it’s the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. But what makes this day important? Let’s embark on a journey to discover its deeper meaning.
This remarkable day has a rich history dating back to 1987 when over 100,000 people gathered at Trocadro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was born.
Their mission was clear: to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger. Their powerful message still resonates today: poverty is not just an economic struggle; it’s a violation of human rights.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an invitation to all of us to unite, show solidarity, and raise our voices to end poverty while upholding the dignity of every human being.
A Resolution for Action: Making a Difference
In 1992, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 47/196 , designating October 17th as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This wasn’t just about marking a date on the calendar; it urged all member states to roll up their sleeves and take concrete actions against poverty on this day.
It also called upon international and non-governmental organisations to help organise these activities, and the United Nations Secretary-General was entrusted with ensuring the success of this observance.
The Day of the Poor: Amplifying Voices
What sets this day apart is that it’s not just about raising awareness; it’s a platform for those living in poverty to raise their voices. Their active participation was at the core of this day’s celebration from the beginning.
It’s a reminder that poverty eradication is not a task for a few; it’s a mission we all share.
India’s Progress: Escaping Multidimensional Poverty
Speaking of progress, let’s take a glance at India. As of July 18, 2023, India has made impressive strides in reducing multidimensional poverty.
The latest data from the National Family Health Survey shows that 135 million people broke free from multi-dimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
The percentage of multi-dimensionally poor in India dropped significantly, from 24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-2021.
The Role of the United Nations and UNDP
The United Nations plays a vital role in this battle against poverty.
Established after World War II, the UN’s mission is all about maintaining world peace and encouraging nations to work together for mutual benefit. And poverty eradication is high on the list. The UN strives to improve the lives of people in poverty, tackle hunger, disease, and promote human rights and freedoms.
It’s their special international days, like the Day for the Eradication of Poverty, that help inspire political leaders to address these global challenges and ask others to collaborate in order to work towards achieving a mutually benefitted goal
A Call to Unite: Your Role in the Fight Against Poverty
Today isn’t just a day of importance ; it’s a rallying cry. Poverty isn’t an invincible challenge; it’s a matter of dignity, human rights, and equality.
Let’s unite for dignity, human rights, and a poverty-free world.
