International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Poverty has many faces, whether it be starving children in Africa or India or whether it be a struggling single Mother crying in the supermarket as her children look on confused. The examples of poverty range from extreme to almost imperceptible and the UN has declared Fighting Poverty to be one of the cores of their Millennium Development Goals.

There is no denying that poverty is a social struggle and affects communities far and wide with impacts on single people and whole cities. With rising awareness in recent decades there are now more steps than ever being taken towards the eradication of poverty and the assistance and inclusion of those struggling with poverty towards being a part of the solution.

The complexity of poverty is now better understood due to increased cultural awareness and sympathy with true connection and motion towards a solution. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed to promote and acknowledge the efforts and struggles of those living in poverty. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty also gives people living in poverty a specific opportunity to make their concerns and thoughts heard, recognizing that they are the first to fight against poverty.

The day is also known as Child Poverty Day, as the observance particularly focuses on eradicating child poverty. Despite living in a world filled with resources, too many children still face extreme deprivation. This awareness fosters solidarity with those living in poverty and pushes for actionable changes at both local and global levels.

History of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The very first observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be pinpointed as the 17^th of October in 1987. On that Saturday in fall more than a hundred thousand people congregated at the Trocadéro in Paris, France. It was there that the Declaration of Human Rights was signed by the United Nations in 1948, in order to honor the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. The central principles expressed in the declaration were carved in a commemorative stone, which was unveiled at the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights in 1987.

Multiple replicas of the stone were made and have been placed around the world to serve as locations for gathering each year to observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. One replica of the stone is placed in the garden of the United Nations Headquarters, where the United Nations Secretariat holds an annual commemoration every year. Hundreds of people gather each year to renew their resolve to combat poverty and to demonstrate their solidarity with those living and struggling in poverty.

In 1992 a resolution was adopted and the General Assembly declared the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty as an official day on which to promote events “with regard to the eradication of poverty and destitution.”

How to Observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is specifically set aside for activities that relate to the eradication of poverty. Thus, it would seem the best way to observe the day would be to find an organized event in your city or town that focuses on observing the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

If no official event is organized in your area, consider volunteering at a homeless shelter or other such place. Such a place is likely aware of the significance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and is likely engaged in a special celebration of the day.

Some of the following ideas can spark some action, so don’t hesitate to give them a try:

Speak Up

Advocate for change by reaching out to local policymakers. Draft a letter, make a call, or schedule a meeting to discuss how community-level changes can support children in poverty.

Your voice matters and can help influence policies that improve children’s lives.

Knowledge is Power

Spend the day learning and sharing facts about child poverty. Understanding the issue is the first step toward solving it.

Share interesting facts and statistics on social media or talk about them over dinner. It’s a great way to spread awareness and spark conversations.

Give a Little Help a Lot

Why not open your heart and your wallet? Donating to a charity is a grand way to celebrate. Choose a reputable organization and make a contribution that could change somebody’s life.

Every little bit counts and your generosity could provide essentials like food, education, or healthcare to people in need.

Lend Your Time

Roll up your sleeves and volunteer! Local organizations that support people in poverty often need help. You could tutor, mentor, or spend time helping those in need. Your presence could bring a lot of joy and valuable assistance.

All in all, the day serves as a reminder that we must work together to dismantle the barriers to a fairer, more inclusive world where no child has to grow up in poverty​.