Oct 21 is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

This is an announcement from ATD Fourth World.

On December 22, 1992, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared October 17 the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Since then, governments, local authorities, members of civil society and the private sector have recognized the importance of October 17.

The International Day has become a key rallying point for a growing number of citizens of all backgrounds, and organizations of all kinds, in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty.

People living in extreme poverty are active defenders of human rights and the World Day recognizes their daily commitments, undertaken with others, to defend and respect the dignity of every person.

The World Day demonstrates that change is possible through the new and enduring meeting opportunities it creates, and the new responsibilities and commitments for eradicating poverty that such meetings encourage and generate.

In the Philippines, the government has declared October 17 a national Day and even a National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty from October 17 to 23 in the Philippines.

On October 21, Wednesday, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and ATD Fourth World together with groups from the poorest sector and government agencies will gather at Luneta Park, Manila to commemorate the ongoing plight of Filipinos against poverty.

It will be a gathering for peace and human dignity in the spirit of the declaration engraved on the commemorative stone in honor of the victims of extreme poverty. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty also provides opportunities to promote meetings that would not normally happen in everyday life, between the poorest and other citizens, around a common desire and commitment to eradicate extreme poverty.

It is a time of dialogue and reflection for all who come together, as well as a learning experience for those who are unaware of the situation of people living in poverty.

To join the event, please contact Vanessa Joos-Malfait or Jeremy Ianni via email at philippines@atd-fourthworld.org or landline 02-563-9312. – Rappler.com