International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an international observance celebrated each year on October 17 throughout the world. The first commemoration, "World Day to Overcome Poverty" took place in Paris, France, in 1987 when 100,000 people gathered on the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadéro to honour victims of poverty, hunger, violence, and fear at the unveiling of a commemorative stone by Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World. In 1992, four years after Wresinski's death, the United Nations officially designated October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The October 17 Commemorative Stone, that Father Joseph Wesinski unveiled at the Trocadero Plaza in 1987 is recognised as a symbol of humanity, which enshrines his words To date, there is a total of 53 replicas of the Commemorative Stone around the world including countries like Belgium, Burkina Faso, Canada, Germany, Philippines, Portugal Reunion Island, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. Replicas of the commemorative stone can also be found at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg and the United Nations headquarters in New York. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty promotes dialogue and understanding between people living