Every year on the 17th of October, the world observes Anti-Poverty Day with the goal of raising awareness among people about the lessons, problems, and potential solutions associated with poverty. As firmly as the United Nations believes, all the efforts and struggles of people living in poverty are recognised on this day, where the voices of those in need are heard.
Meanwhile, this day is also observed as a day dedicated to assisting poor people in their fight against poverty. Aside from that, this day allows people who live in poverty to make the best use of their skills to make a tangible contribution to the abolition of the deadly problem of poverty.
Origin of Anti Poverty day
On October 17, 1987, over 100,000 people gathered to commemorate those who had become victims of extreme poverty, hunger, and violence. The gathering took place in Paris at Trocadero for the unveiling of commemorative stones by a certain French priest who was also a humanitarian activist. These individuals became vocal, proclaiming that poverty is a violation of human rights.
Since then, October 17 has been observed on a global scale as a day to symbolise the renewal of their commitment to working towards the total abolition of poverty. Later in December 1992, it was officially declared by the United Nations Assembly that October 17 will be acknowledged as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In a nutshell, it is said that on December 22, 1992, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution 47/196 thereby declaring October 17 as the International Day for Anti-poverty Day.
Anti-poverty day: Symbol
Previously, six of the commemorative stamps along with a souvenir card were issued by the United Nations Postal Administration which was based on the theme ‘We Can End Poverty. On those stamps, the paintings or drawings of people, especially children who are working together in the fight against poverty were found. Most of the images that are used in these stamps are mainly contrasts and colors. These specific six stamps were a result of an art competition where more than 12,000 children from 124 countries participated.
According to a World Bank report that was published by the UN or the United Nations that when Covid-19 struck the planet, around 115 million people were headed towards poverty where the majority lies in Sub-Saharan regions and South Asia. As of now, it is firmly believed that the number has kept on increasing and now must have surpassed 143 million. Thus, on Anti-Poverty Day, every effort should be attempted that will help in curving the poverty problem.
