October 17th marks the International Day for Poverty Eradication

17-10-2023

Sofía Medina Sánchez 

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence 

The International Day for Eradication of Poverty is celebrated every year on the 17th of October, seeking to foster dialogue and understanding between those who live in extreme poverty and the rest of society. The 2023 chosen theme arises from firsthand accounts that shed light on the harsh reality faced by those suffering extreme poverty, where they endure long, arduous hours in hazardous, unregulated working conditions and still do not earn sufficient income to earn a living and support their families. 

The theme for this year advocates for universal access to decent employment and social protection in order to protect everyone’s human dignity. It underscores that decent work should empower people, provide them with equitable, fair wages and adequate and safe working conditions. It should mainly acknowledge the inherent worth and humanity of every worker. Moreover, in order to ensure income security for all, universal social protection which prioritises the most vulnerable, is of the essence. This theme also calls upon political leaders and policymakers to utilise the concept of human dignity as a guiding principle in all decision-making processes, prioritising the protection of fundamental human rights over incrementing business profits. 

To attain equitable development and ensure that no one is marginalised, strong global collaborations between governments, businesses, and civil society organisations are essential. Thus, this year's observance presents an opportunity to stand in solidarity with individuals living in poverty, genuinely heed their daily struggles, and reaffirm commitments to building a fair economy that places the safeguarding of human and environmental welfare above the pursuit of financial profits. The ultimate objective is to completely eradicate poverty by establishing a society with the necessary conditions so that everyone can lead lives marked by dignity.

Taking into account that our world is marked by an unparalleled degree of economic progress, technological capabilities, and financial wealth, it is a moral travesty that millions of individuals are enduring extreme poverty. This condition is not merely an economic challenge but rather a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses not only insufficient income but also a deficit in fundamental capabilities needed to lead a life of dignity. 

Adequate resources must be allocated by States in order to protect individuals’ economic, social and cultural rights and provide solutions to the devastating effects of their impoverished circumstances. 

Sources and further Reading: 

United Nations, Portal, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, 17 October 2023: https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty

United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Poverty, Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty 2018-2027: https://www.un.org/development/desa/socialperspectiveondevelopment/united-nations-decade-for-the-eradication-of-poverty/third.html

United Nations, Portal, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Background, 17 October 2023: https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty/background