- ATD Fourth World

In 29 countries across the globe, ATD Fourth World brings people living in poverty together with others from many different walks of life to learn from each other, build mutual support and take action together. It is in this way that we move forward towards our objective of eradicating poverty and building an inclusive society where everybody can enjoy access to all of their fundamental human rights. Poverty and social exclusion are ever present across Europe and those affected by them continue to feel mistrusted, seeing themselves as non-participants in the construction of society, not really associated with the struggle against poverty, and unable to exercise their rights as citizens in their own communities. European citizens refuse to accept that this situation continue in repeatedly demanding that the fight against poverty and social exclusion be treated as a priority of the European Union [1].

The International Movement ATD Fourth World has been active in pursuing this priority at a European Union level for the past 30 years. The establishment of our Delegation to the EU has allowed us build relationships with the various EU institutions and to act as a bridge between people living in poverty, those working alongside them and the decision makers that are shaping the future of Europe. We are founding members of the principle NGO coalition active in the fight against poverty at an EU level, the European Anti-Poverty Network, and contribute our expertise to the work of the Platform of European Social NGOs.

This document contains comments on both the content of the National Action Plans for Social Inclusion (NAP/incl) 2003-2005, and the development of the European Strategy for Social Inclusion in a wider sense. Our primary concern is whether or not this strategy is reaching and supporting those living in extreme or chronic poverty, who have been continually excluded from the benefits brought by economic progress and development on our continent. Families and individuals who, generation after generation have suffered multiple disadvantages, broken to the point that they are no longer able to exercise their rights and take up their responsibilities. People whose courage to continue to fight for a better future for themselves and for their children has gone largely unrecognised, and whose knowledge and expertise on how to build this future, is rarely asked for.