- ATD Fourth World

“Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated.
To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.”
Fr. Joseph Wresinski

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, also known and celebrated as the World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty, “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. The participation of the poor themselves has been at the centre of the International Day celebrations since its very beginning.” (excerpt from the Report of the Secretary General of the United Nations, A/61/308 )

Our world is mobilizing efforts to emerge from its current crises. The governments of the 20 wealthiest countries are trying to develop a new framework for financial exchanges. Businesses are becoming aware of their social responsibility. The Copenhagen Summit on climate change will aims to make decisions that will roll back global warming.

The individuals and families who live in social exclusion and extreme poverty are too rarely always included in thinking about these issues. However, they are the ones who pay the highest price for these crises. They already struggle day after day for their own and their children’s survival. Meanwhile the crises further increase their difficulties: projects have been interrupted, seriously compromising their health, education, and future; prices are rising; the climate imbalance is destroying their fragile homes.

The efforts that these individuals and families make to have their dignity respected are not taken into account; they are disregarded. Our societies thereby deny themselves of these people’s thinking and knowledge, which would contribute to building a world that is more respectful of human rights. Indeed, it is a matter of justice and dignity, not assistance and generosity.

Each October 17th observance around the world must therefore create an original space where people from different backgrounds can gather together in respect for their diversity, join efforts, learn from one another and build peace.

The International Committee for October 17th invites you, wherever you may be, to join this worldwide social movement to overcome extreme poverty, and build a world of peace together, one without extreme poverty.

Mr. Cassam Uteem
President of the International Committee for October 17th

The site www.overcomingpoverty.org relates the various events organized for October 17th, as well as the year-long commitments against extreme poverty and for peace.
Secretariat of the International Committee for October 17
Benoit Reboul-Salze : +33 (0)1 30 36 22 16