Dr Matiur Rahman

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on October 17th, has its roots in the global acknowledgement of extreme poverty as a violation of human rights. This day was first commemorated in 1987 when over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris to honour the victims of poverty, violence, and hunger. It was here, in 1948, that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed. The gathering proclaimed that poverty is a human rights violation and reaffirmed the need for collective action to ensure everyone can live with dignity. Since then, October 17th has become a global day of solidarity, marked by events worldwide highlighting the need to eradicate poverty.

The United Nations General Assembly officially declared October 17th the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty through Resolution 47/196 in 1992. This day is devoted to raising awareness and promoting concrete activities for poverty eradication worldwide. Governments, non-governmental organisations, and civil society groups are encouraged to use this day to organise national activities and initiatives to address poverty and its root causes. The theme for 2024, "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies," focuses on the hidden dimensions of poverty that are often overlooked—the maltreatment and discrimination faced by those living in poverty.

Poverty is a multidimensional issue, encompassing the lack of income and resources and social and institutional exclusion. The 2024 theme emphasises how poverty is perpetuated through negative social attitudes and institutional practices that dehumanise and marginalise those affected. People living in poverty are often stigmatised and judged based on their appearance, accent, or place of residence. This social maltreatment fosters an environment of mistrust and discrimination, which is further exacerbated by institutional policies that restrict access to healthcare, education, housing, and legal identity. The interplay between social and institutional maltreatment creates a vicious cycle, deepening poverty and denying individuals their fundamental rights.

The 2024 theme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which aims to promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. SDG 16 calls for the end of all forms of violence and oppression, emphasising the importance of building institutions that are accountable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all individuals, especially those in poverty. The theme also highlights the intersectionality of poverty with other forms of discrimination, such as gender, race, and sexual orientation, which intensify the exclusion and mistreatment experienced by marginalised groups.

The social and institutional maltreatment faced by people living in poverty is often invisible to those who do not experience it. This maltreatment manifests in daily interactions, where people are treated with disdain, blamed for their circumstances, and denied opportunities to improve their lives. These negative attitudes are not only harmful but also contribute to the entrenchment of poverty. When individuals are constantly dehumanised and made to feel worthless, their self-esteem erodes, and they lose the sense of agency necessary to break free from poverty. This loss of personal dignity is one of the most profound and damaging effects of poverty, and it has long-lasting consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.

Institutional maltreatment, in the form of discriminatory policies and practices, compounds the effects of social abuse. People living in poverty often face barriers to accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing. These barriers are not accidental but are the result of systemic inequalities that prioritise the needs of the wealthy and powerful over those of the marginalised. For example, healthcare systems in many countries are designed to serve those who can afford to pay, leaving people experiencing poverty with limited or no access to medical care. Similarly, education systems often fail to provide quality education to children from low-income families, perpetuating the cycle of poverty from one generation to the next.

The 2024 theme challenges us to recognise and address these hidden dimensions of poverty by working together to create just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. This requires a fundamental shift in how we view poverty and the people who experience it. Rather than seeing poverty as a personal failing, we must understand it as a result of systemic inequalities and injustice. Ending poverty requires not only economic solutions but also social and institutional changes that ensure everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and respect.

The Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2018–2027) focuses on accelerating global actions to eliminate poverty in all its forms. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for ending extreme poverty for everyone by 2030. However, achieving this goal requires more than just economic growth; it necessitates addressing the root causes of poverty, including social exclusion and institutional discrimination.

The 2024 theme also calls attention to the role of impoverished people as active participants in their liberation. Too often, poverty eradication efforts are designed and implemented without the input of those most affected. Yet, impoverished people possess valuable knowledge and expertise that can inform more effective and equitable policies. Their voices must be at the centre of efforts to create inclusive societies, as they are the first to fight against the injustice of poverty. Ensuring that people in poverty have a say in the decisions that affect their lives is a matter of justice and a practical necessity for building sustainable solutions.

Building just, peaceful, and inclusive societies requires collective action. Governments, civil society organisations, the private sector, and individuals all have a role to play in addressing the social and institutional maltreatment that fuels poverty. This includes reforming policies perpetuating inequality, challenging discriminatory attitudes, and creating spaces for meaningful participation by those most affected. By working together, we can make a world where poverty is no longer a barrier to human potential and where everyone has the opportunity to live a dignified and fulfilling life.

The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in 2024 reminds us of the urgent need to act together to end poverty and discrimination. It is a call to recognise the hidden dimensions of poverty and work towards creating societies that are just, inclusive, and respectful of the rights and dignity of all people. By addressing both the social and institutional maltreatment that people in poverty face, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The writer is a researcher and development worker.