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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: 17th October 2025
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: 17th October 2025
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on October 17th to raise global awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
Theme for 2025
The theme for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) in 2025 is: Ending social and institutional maltreatment: Ensuring respect and effective support for families living in poverty.
This theme highlights that poverty is not solely an economic issue, but a multidimensional phenomenon that includes a denial of dignity and human rights. The focus is on addressing the stigma, judgment, and punitive practices families in poverty often face within institutions intended to help them, such as schools, clinics, welfare offices, and child protection systems.
Key objectives related to the 2025 theme include:
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Putting the furthest behind first and building institutions that help families stay together, thrive, and shape their own futures.
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Encouraging a shift "From control to care" by designing services built on trust, reducing punitive conditionalities, and prioritizing respectful, person-centred interactions.
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Promoting a transition "From surveillance to support" by rebalancing investments toward family-strengthening services like income support, quality childcare, adequate housing, and access to justice.
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Advocating for co-created solutions by involving families living in poverty at every stage of policy design, budgeting, and delivery.
History and Significance
Origin
The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to October 17, 1987, in Paris, France. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro, the site where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honor the victims of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger. The attendees proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need for collective action to ensure these rights are respected. This conviction is inscribed on a commemorative stone unveiled by Father Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World.
UN Recognition
In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 47/196, officially declared October 17th as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It invited all States to devote the day to presenting and promoting concrete activities for poverty eradication.
Purpose and Philosophy
The Day serves as an opportunity to:
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Acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty.
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Provide a platform for people experiencing poverty to make their concerns heard.
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Recognize the crucial role that poor people play in the forefront of the fight against poverty.
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Promote a dialogue and understanding between people living in poverty and the society at large.
The core philosophy is that poverty is not a personal failure but a systemic denial of dignity and human rights. The Day emphasizes that eradication efforts must be holistic, addressing the multi-faceted deprivations—such as lack of nutritious food, unsafe housing, and unequal access to justice and political power—that prevent people from realizing their full potential.
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