Updated October 17th, 2019 at 14:01 IST

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2019: United Nations

The United Nations' International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is marked every on October 17 since 1993 and aimed to create awareness to eradicate poverty

Reported by: Sounak Mitra
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The United Nations' International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is marked every on October 17 since 1993. It is aimed to create awareness about the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide, pertinently in developing countries. The General Assembly declared on October 17, as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, through resolution 47/196 adopted on December 22, 1992. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the declaration by the General Assembly and its theme is 'Acting together to empower children, their families, and communities to end poverty'.

According to the UN website, "The commemoration on October 17 also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty."

READ: India Halved Its Poverty Rate Since 1990s: World Bank

The convention recognizes the right of every child to a certain standard of living 

"The day presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. Participation of the poor themselves has been at the centre of the Day's celebration since its very beginning," the United Nations said on its website.

The United Nations has said building a sustainable future expects us to increase our efforts towards eradicating extreme poverty and discrimination, and ensuring that everyone can freely practice their human rights. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) on November 20, 1989. According to the UN, the convention recognizes the right of every child to a certain standard of living which should suffice his/her physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.

READ: International Poverty Eradication Day 2019: Date And History

Different non-profit organizations and charities support the day

Different non-profit organizations and charities support the Day for the Eradication of Poverty by actively urging the lawmakers and leaders to come up with steps to eradicate poverty. Other activities include signing "Call to Action" petitions, organizing cultural events and conducting interfaith gatherings which may include a moment of silence.

READ: 'India Is Eliminating Poverty Faster Than Ever,' Said PM Narendra Modi In His Address To Students At Royal University Of Bhutan

READ: India Lifted 271 Mn People Out Of Poverty Between 2006 And 2016: UN

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Published October 17th, 2019 at 13:11 IST