As the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty approaches on October 17, the 2024 theme, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies,” calls attention to the lesser-known but pervasive ways poverty perpetuates injustice. This year’s focus highlights social and institutional maltreatment, aiming to address how negative societal attitudes and harmful policies continue to marginalize people living in poverty, preventing them from achieving dignity and equality.
From Paris to the World: The Legacy of October 17 in the Fight Against Poverty
The day’s origins trace back to 1987 in Paris, where 100,000 people gathered to honour victims of poverty and unveil a commemorative stone inscribed with the powerful words of Father Joseph Wresinski, founder of ATD Fourth World. The United Nations officially recognized the observance in 1992, solidifying October 17 as a platform for dialogue and awareness around poverty. Since then, commemorative stones have been placed in 53 locations worldwide, symbolizing a shared commitment to human rights and the fight against poverty.
Beyond Economics: How Social and Institutional Discrimination Deepens Poverty
Poverty encompasses more than economic hardship, extending to social and institutional maltreatment where discriminatory attitudes and policies further disadvantage the poor. Individuals are often stigmatized based on appearance, accent, or location, creating a cycle of exclusion that denies access to essential services like healthcare, education, and housing. These injustices are exacerbated for those facing multiple forms of discrimination, such as gender, race, or sexual orientation, intensifying the effects of poverty.
This year’s theme also ties into the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16, which advocates for just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. Achieving this goal requires tackling the root causes of social and institutional violence, reshaping how society treats marginalized groups, and implementing policies that uphold human rights.