International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually to raise awareness about poverty and its global impact, as well as to recognize the efforts made towards eradicating it. The observance aims to promote social integration, combat poverty and marginalization, and improve living conditions for those most affected by poverty. This global initiative is focused on several aspects, including access to quality education, healthcare, shelter, and social welfare programs for vulnerable populations, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of individuals and communities in their journey towards self-sufficiency.

First declared by the United Nations in 1992, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has increasingly become relevant to people in the United Kingdom. In recent years, the UK has seen a rise in different forms of poverty such as child poverty, working poverty, and food insecurity, which have been exacerbated by factors like wage stagnation, rising living costs, and economic downturn. This observance calls upon the UK's government, businesses, and civil society to evaluate their role and involvement in tackling poverty through initiatives like affordable housing, access to education, and addressing the root causes of poverty.

In the United Kingdom, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is commemorated through various events, campaigns, and collaborative initiatives organized by anti-poverty organizations, charities, educational institutions, and local communities. These events aim to raise public awareness, stimulate discussions on poverty-related issues, and develop strategies for reducing poverty and inequality in the country. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17th, providing a platform for those committed to the fight against poverty in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

Facts about this day and poverty

• According to the World Bank, the pandemic is estimated to have pushed an additional 88 million to 115 million people into extreme poverty in 2020, reversing years of progress.
• 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water. 2.6 billion lack access to basic sanitation.
• It has been estimated that the cost to end extreme poverty worldwide would be about $175 billion per year for 20 years, less than 1% of the combined income of the richest countries in the world.
• Between the late 1990s and mid-2010s, poverty rates among pensioners fell drastically from 28% to 13%. This was due to factors like the introduction of Pension Credit and the 'triple lock' on the State Pension. However, more recent data suggests a slight upward trend.
• In-work poverty has been growing over time - in the late 1990s, less than 40% of people in poverty lived in a working family, but now it's close to 60%.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Donate to local shelters or certified charities like K.I.D.S (Kids in Distressed Situations).
• Write letters or emails to your local representatives, expressing your concerns about poverty in the United Kingdom and urging them to prioritize policies and programs that address this issue. Engaging with local leaders can help advocate for change at the grassroots level.
• Purchase fair-trade and ethically sourced products when shopping for groceries, clothing, or other goods. Supporting ethical businesses helps create better working conditions and fair wages for workers, contributing to poverty reduction efforts.