October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The history of this international day can be traced back to October 17, 1987. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, France, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honor the victims of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger.

They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights, and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected. These convictions are inscribed in a commemorative stone unveiled on this day.

October 17 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 center of the Day’s celebration.

The observance of October 17 also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.