International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

  Research confirms that factors such as poverty, social, economic and geographical marginalization, and lack of sustainable livelihoods are manifestations of poor levels of development which, alongside governance issues, constitute root causes of large-scale illicit cultivation in rural areas. The income obtained from illicit crop cultivation is used to cover daily living expenses as well as paying debt. UNODC, through its alternative development (AD) and sustainable livelihoods programmes, provides economically viable, legal alternatives to men and women living in poor rural communities involved in coca bush, opium poppy or cannabis cultivation. After introducing high-value crops and new technologies, AD projects consolidate farmers’ organizations, integrating them into a productive chain that leads to commercialization in quality markets and improves their opportunities for revenue generation. Alternative development programmes emphasize implementation of viable agroforestry sch...

  On October 17, 1987, Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD FourthWorld , gathered 100,000 people on the Human Rights Plaza in Paris to pay tribute to the victims of extreme poverty. This date has subsequently been commemorated each year around the world. In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 17th the International Day forthe Eradication of Poverty with resolution 47/196 . On this day, people with a direct experience ofpoverty share their knowledge, insight, and experiences with Member States , dignitaries, and allies to promote dialogue and understanding, as we continue the pursuit of SDG 1 , to endpoverty everywhere in all its forms . Of the Day, the Secretary General has stated, “ It represents an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and struggles of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are in the forefront in the fight against poverty ” ( Report ...