October 17

People created poverty. Only people can eradicate it.

Father Wresinski

The need to act is not confined to politicians and others in power, but is also the duty of ordinary citizens. A crucial first step towards the fight against poverty is to hear the voices of the poor, and October 17 is a valuable tool in that process. 

GCAP joins ATD-Fourth World on October 17, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Sign up the call which will be handled to policy makers on October 17.

Global Event – Paris

Organized by International Movement ATD Fourth World with Global Call Against Poverty (AMCP) France, Amnesty International, Secours Catholique, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Forum des Enfants, and others.

12/10/07 - Download the updated programme

• International Seminar: Living commitments, engraved in stone

Paris Town Hall, 17 October – 9h30-14h

The seminar will gather delegations and officials from countries which have produced a replica of the Trocadéro stone to honour those who lived, or are still living, in extreme poverty.  Invited by the Mayor of Paris, some 150 delegates will exchange ideas on the importance of the replica in their town, and the role it plays in rallying people in the fight against extreme poverty.

• Trocadéro Gardens: Village of Sustainable Solidarity

Trocadéro Plaza, 17 October - 10:00-18h30

Facilitated by some 50 associations, this space will allow participants to share their joint efforts in fighting extreme poverty and exclusion. 

• Some 30 workshops are planned on a variety of themes including human rights, decent work, co-existence, and joining the efforts of people in poverty themselves etc.
• “Pathway of Encounters” – bamboo pathway displaying banners produced around the world to mark the importance of meeting and relations in the fight against extreme poverty.
• Cultural, artistic, and sporting activities
• Games based on society, cooperation and values
• Expositions - “Smiles Worldwide”, Tapori Movement – “Listen to us and Change the World”, Presentation of the World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty.
• Cyber Café
• Live musical performances
• Debate organised by AMCP France on decent work, focusing on the role of the informal sector.  This is follow up on a seminar organised last year on the same theme – formal programme, invitation to be finalised

• Human Rights Plaza, Trocadéro: World Moment 

14:30–15:30

Gathering on the plaza to connect with events taking place around the world simultaneously, thanks to delegates present and a radio station (Radio France International) set up on the plaza.

• Main Gathering on the Human Rights Plaza, Trocadéro

18:30–19:30

Children will start this event, followed by speeches from delegates who have direct experience of extreme poverty.  They will remind us of the intolerability of poverty and the possibilities to end it through joint action and efforts.  Cultural, political, spiritual and sporting personalities will be present at this time, and the outcomes of the campaign “Ending Extreme Poverty, a Road to Peace” will be presented to a representative of the United Nations.

 Background

Thirty-nine years after the International Declaration of Human Rights was signed at the Trocadero Plaza in Paris, 100,000 people from all backgrounds came together on 17 October, 1987 to affirm that extreme poverty is one of the worst violations of these rights. They were responding to a call by Joseph Wresinski, a man who had himself experienced extreme poverty, and who realised that one of the harshest impacts of poverty was the humiliation it inflicted. This humiliation renders people invisible and without voice. His experience showed him that in order to eradicate poverty, people from all backgrounds must come together to fight against it.

Joseph Wresinski, founder of International Movement ATD said: "wherever human beings are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty." These words were enshrined in a stone laid to commemorate the victims of extreme poverty, and almost twenty years later still serve as a reminder to us all of our common responsibility.

October 17 came to be known as the ‘World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty’, and has since become a rallying point for many. It remains an all too rare opportunity for people living in poverty to speak up for themselves and for others. A special place for them is reserved during the day and their testimonies are a chance for others to hear of their daily efforts in the fight for a better future for themselves and their families.

In 1992, the UN General Assembly declared 17 October the ‘International Day for the Eradication of Poverty’ and the first official UN commemoration was organised in 1993. The following year, a replica of the original Paris stone was laid in the UN Gardens in New York - a gift by the French Government on behalf of those living in poverty. Since then, the stone has remained the focal point for the UN’s commemoration of the Day. Each year, the UN Mission staff and NGOs organise the event, sharing a commitment to giving priority to the most excluded. This commitment enables people living in poverty to speak of their experiences, their hopes, and their efforts to fight against poverty - a message seldom heard by those who make decisions at the highest level.

People in poverty themselves are the first defenders of human rights. But, as their contribution is not based on formal study or training it is often ignored, devalued, and seen as irrelevant. They are the first to look after others in their community, the first to take a stand against poverty and their contribution should be recognised.

People living in poverty are burdened by society's vision of them as failures. The day reinstates them in a positive light, with pride and dignity, and creates profound changes in the image they have of themselves.

From Vicky Soanes, ATD-Fourth World