International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

   Too often, people living in poverty are blamed, stigmatised, and pushed into the shadows. Yet poverty is not a personal failure; it is a systemic failure – a denial of dignity and human rights. This year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty calls on us all to stop the social and institutional maltreatment of people living in poverty – and to honour the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals to eradicate poverty in all its forms, everywhere. That requires policies that leave no one behind: affordable health care and housing; decent work and fair wages; universal social protection; food security; quality education; and financing that works for countries and communities. On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let’s reject stigma and discrimination. Let’s stand with people living in poverty, and act with solidarity to end poverty for good. Antonio Guterres. Available in   English  |  Français  |  Español  |...

 In 1987, thousands gathered at the Human Rights Plaza in Paris to honor the victims of poverty.  There, Fr Joseph Wresinski delivered a speech that still echoes today: “ I bear witness to you…so that humanity may finally give heed to humanity, and refuse forever the inevitability of poverty. ” This call to conscience led the UN to officially recognize  October 17th as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty . Today, his words remain a compass for justice and dignity.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not always that simple. In countries affected by conflict , for example, movements are often restricted to keep civilians safe. However, this can also plunge families into poverty if opportunities are limited. “It was forbidden to go out or move to other areas,” Laila*, a 31-year-old mother of five in Syria told us. “There was no work, no freedom to leave, there was only fear.” For millions of people living in poverty without a consistent job that pays an adequate living wage, some basic vocational and entrepreneurial skills can help them build their own jobs. This is at the foundation of Concern’s Graduation program, which works with families to “graduate” out of poverty through livelihoods support. Every year, we work with thousands of participants like 40-year-old Alexia Mukashyaka in Rwanda. After investing in a sewing machine, Alexia started a successful tailoring business, making on average 20 outfits for women each week. “Before, life...

Hunger is a driving force behind poverty (and vice-versa). When a person doesn’t have enough to eat, their immune system is more easily compromised, they don’t have the physical or cognitive strength to make it through the day, and they often lack enough energy to work. This is why we prioritize nutrition in the fight to end poverty . Many of our livelihood programs also include nutrition components, such as our recent work in Ethiopia and Kenya with Lifesaving Education and Assistance to Farmers . Simply getting the right amount of calories and nutrients every day can go a long way to ending poverty.   LEAF Project participants winnow mung beans in Makere village in Tana River County, Kenya. (Photo: Lisa Murray/Concern Worldwide)

Like hunger and malnutrition, contaminated water can lead to debilitating illnesses. What’s more, over the last 20 years, the lack of safe drinking water and basic sanitation has gone up — from affecting 197 million people in 2004 to 211 million people in 2024. This adds up: The waterborne illnesses that result from this shortage contribute to 1.4 million deaths per year, as well as 50% of global malnutrition. The link between improved water access and declining poverty rates goes beyond health . When communities have better access to safe and clean water, those who often spend their time collecting water from further away will have more time to spend on other, more meaningful pursuits. Owlio* collects water at a well constructed by Somalia's emergency program team in Baidoa. (Photo: Concern Worldwide)

  We owe it to the children, the parents, and everyone to find better solutions together. Families and family policies are crucial in achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , especially those related to poverty eradication , health, education, gender equality, social inclusion , decent work / social protection and SDG 16 on just and peaceful institutions. These policies must aim at coherence — they must interact and complement each other across different policy sectors and levels (local, national, international). Our policies and actions must be guided by the realities of people’s lives, and formulated with the active, informed and meaningfulparticipation of families living in poverty. It is the only way we can create a respectful and supportive environment that lifts families out of poverty, empowers children , and creates a more just and equitable society.