|
17 October 2004: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty |
|
|
|
05 Oct 04 |
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed by the United Nations since 1993. A few years later, the General Assembly proclaimed the United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006), and gave it the theme: “Eradicating poverty is an ethical, social, political and economic imperative of humankind.” (A/RES/51/178). Today, eradicating extreme poverty is the very first of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), agreed upon by UN Member States in September 2000. In MDG #1, the international community pledged to “reduce by half the proportion of people living on less than a dollar a day” by 2015.
The non-governmental organization International Movement ATD Fourth World calls this day the 'World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty' with the message: "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" (Father Joseph Wresinski, Founder of ATD Fourth World). Their web site, www.atd-quartmonde.org/accueil-uk.html, is in multiple languages, including German, Italian, and Polish. In addition, its 'October 17 World Events Agenda' (www.oct17.org/calend/cal2004e.htm) lists various commemorative activities in countries and cities around the world.
For more information on the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and the UN Decade on the Eradication of Poverty, see www.un.org/esa/socdev/poverty/poverty_link3.htm and www.un.org/esa/socdev/poverty/poverty.htm |
|
Last Updated ( 28 Oct 05 )
|
