17 October 2012 Commemorations in Europe

Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France

People living in poverty, decision-makers and members of the civil

Luxembourg Italy
A delegation of people living in poverty met with Senate Members of the Commission of Human Rights in Rome.

society took part in a

2009

conference entitled: Building Europe through Human Rights: Acting

2007

Council of Europe, France

2001

together against extreme poverty.

Netherlands

2008

We can and we want to work but we are not given the chance to. We want to say that we are all able to do something! Fourth World activists, Geneva, Switzerland.

To be living in persistent poverty isnt something you should be ashamed of. It is a painful experience which calls for respect. Simone C, Laval, France

Germany

2010

France

Poland
2009 2004

Scotland
In Glasgow, over 30 people braved the elements for stories, songs and soup to mark the United Nations Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Ireland

Spain
For me poverty and exclusion are not abstract, but rather socio-political, issues. As a society, we must realise that we need to talk and reflect with those who experience persistent poverty. Gulseren D, Councillor, Munich, Germany

2005

As a society, we need to care for each other. We are all human beings. We all need help and we all have pride and dignity! Eamon B. Dublin, Ireland
2011

European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium.

Today more than ever, we need to diversify and increase our collective wisdom in order to cope with the economic challenges we face. We are glad that the European Parliament has a commitment to hosting a bi-annual People's University where Deputies and people in poverty can think together. Diana Skelton, ATD Fourth World Deputy Director.

History of the Day

On 17 October 1987, in the presence of 100,000 people from every social background and continent, Joseph Wresinski unveiled a commemorative stone in the Trocadero Human Rights Plaza in Paris. On this marble stone, his call is engraved: Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights are respected is our solemn duty. 17 October was proclaimed International Day for the Eradication of Poverty by the United Nations in 1992. In Dublin, the 17 October 2008 saw the unveiling of a commemorative stone, on Custom House Quay, near the Famine Memorial . It bears the message in English, Irish and French that was first inscribed on the commemorative stone in Paris.

For more information about the 17 October

17 October
World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
Working together towards a world without discrimination

commemoration,

please contact:

National 17 October Committee

c/o ATD Fourth World-Ireland 26 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1

Tel: 01 855 8191

Email: atdfourthworld@eircom.net Website: www.overcomingpoverty.org

The National 17 October Committee is an informal coalition of community, voluntary, religious and overseas development organisations and schools which promotes the Annual Commemoration of the World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty with people living in extreme poverty.

One of the goals of the National 17 October Committee is to promote the observance of the International Day in ways that respect its original spirit and meaning.
Commemorative Stone in Honour of the Victims of Extreme Poverty

Important breakthrough!
In September 2012, the Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights were adopted by the UN Human Rights Council and in December by the UN General Assembly in New York. As the first official document adopted by the UN on the subject of extreme poverty and human rights, the Guiding Principles are intended as a practical tool for policy-makers to ensure that public policies reach the poorest members of society, that they respect and uphold their rights and take into account the significant obstacles faced by persons living in poverty. Photos ATD Fourth World

Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 Thursday, 17 October 2013, 11am

Master of Ceremonies: Sean Dunne
N orth W est I nner City Training and D evelopment Project

The stone is about all the people who were struggling when they were growing up, and are still going through it. It will be our voice in years to come.
Excerpts of testimonies

Please join us for this very special event!

Refreshments served afterwards in Liberty Hall.