International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a global event and is observed on 17th October every year. This event is recognized by the United Nations with the objective of raising awareness about the need to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions. It serves as an occasion to promote dialogue and actions to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
The theme for this year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is ‘Dignity for all in practice.’ this theme aims to encourage individuals, and governmental and non-governmental organizations to take action to reduce poverty and work towards a world where everyone can enjoy equal and basic human rights. Let’s dive deeper into this day.
Table of Contents
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Event | International Day for the Eradication of Poverty |
Date | 17th October |
Theme | Dignity for all in practice |
Objective | To raise awareness about the need to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions |
Download link for the Concept Note | Click here |
Official Website | https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty |
Background
On 17th October 1987, the first International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was observed, where more than one lac people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris. During this gathering, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed to honor those who have fallen victim to extreme poverty, hunger, and violence. During this gathering, it was decided that poverty is a violation of basic human rights.
Since that day, people from different backgrounds have gathered on 17th October every year to continue their commitment and show respect and solidarity for poor people. There are several gathering places with replicas of the commemoration stone. The most important replica is located in the United Nations HQ in New York.
In 1992, the 47/ 196 resolution was adopted where the UNGA declared that the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty would be annually observed on 17th October every year.
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Theme 2023
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023 theme is ‘Dignity for all in practice.’ The objective of this theme is to enhance the understanding and dialogue among people living below the poverty line across the world. This theme draws attention to the first-hand testimonials highlighting the difficulties faced by people living in poverty. These people work for longer and gruelling hours in dangerous and unregulated conditions, but still cannot meet the ends.
To uphold human dignity among all, this year’s theme aims for universal access to decent work and social protection. It wants to emphasize that decent work is a must to empower people and recognize the inherent human dignity and value for all workers.
There is an urgent need for universal social protection to guarantee income security and prioritize this most vulnerable section of society. Leaders and policymakers across the world must use human dignity as the major factor in the decision-making process. By doing so, people will realize that basic fundamental human rights and social justice are more important than corporate profits.
Significance
One of the major factors that makes this day a significant event is that it reinforces the importance of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1, which aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of the SDGs and the need for coordinated efforts to achieve them.
The commemoration of this day reflects the willingness of poor people to contribute to eradicating poverty. Eradicating poverty is not solely the responsibility of governments but also requires the involvement of civil society, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and individuals. It highlights the importance of collective action at the community and global levels.
This day serves as an educational platform, raising awareness about the challenges and issues associated with poverty. Learning about poverty is the first step towards finding solutions.
At last, poverty eradication is a long-term and continuous process. It reminds us that the fight against poverty must be sustained over time and that we must remain committed to the cause.
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FAQs
A1. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is annually observed on 17th October all over the world.
A2. The theme for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023 is ‘Dignity for all in practice.’
A3. There are some key lessons that everybody must learn from this global event. Poverty is a global issue, there are diverse faces of poverty, poverty is a violation of basic human rights and dignity, poverty often results from and contributes to social and economic inequalities, etc.
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