International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a significant global observance held annually on October 17th, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of eradicating poverty in all its forms. This day encourages collective efforts toward a more just, inclusive, and equitable world, with a particular focus on the plight of those living in extreme poverty.

History of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The origin of this day dates back to October 17, 1987, when more than 100,000 people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, the same location where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948. They came together to honor the victims of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger. This gathering declared that poverty is a violation of human rights, emphasizing the need to unite in order to respect and uphold these rights. Since then, every year on October 17th, individuals from diverse backgrounds—regardless of their beliefs, social standing, or origin—gather to reaffirm their commitment to stand in solidarity with the poor.

The United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 47/196, formally recognized October 17th as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in 1992. This recognition was a call to the international community to strengthen its resolve in eradicating poverty and advancing human dignity and human rights for all.

2024 Theme: “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment”

The theme for the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies.” This year’s focus highlights the hidden dimensions of poverty, specifically the social and institutional maltreatment faced by individuals living in poverty, and it calls for a united effort to address these injustices in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16)—which promotes just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.

Understanding the Theme: Social and Institutional Maltreatment

Poverty is not only a financial condition but a multifaceted issue that touches upon various aspects of human life. Many dimensions of poverty are visible, such as lack of access to food, clean water, education, and healthcare, but there are also hidden dimensions that are equally devastating, like social and institutional maltreatment.

People living in poverty often face a series of negative societal attitudes. These individuals are frequently stigmatized, discriminated against, and judged based on external factors like appearance, accent, or even their residential status—or lack of it. They are often blamed for their own circumstances and treated with disrespect, leading to further social isolation.

This social maltreatment sets the stage for institutional maltreatment, where individuals experience systematic discrimination through biased policies, restrictive practices, and a lack of access to basic human rights such as healthcare, education, housing, and even the right to legal identity. These institutional failures strip away the dignity and potential of millions of individuals worldwide.