South Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world. Caritas works there providing humanitarian and development aid. Photos by Patrick Nicholson/Caritas
Poverty is a form of violence. It leads to humiliation and it silences people. It destroys lives. But poverty is not inevitable. Like slavery or discrimination, it can be overcome. Those who endure poverty resist its injustice in countless ways.
If we are to confront the challenges facing the world today, we need their intelligence and courage. Today, people who feel outcast are making themselves heard and are taking action. Others are joining them to build a peaceful world where no one is left behind.
International Movement ATD Fourth World is a global organisation, founded in France by Fr Joseph Wresinski in 1957, which aim is to fight extreme poverty through education and organisation of the poorest families that live in depressed areas. The actors are the poor themselves.
Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty. – Joseph Wresinski
ATD Fourth World has developed its presence and action in some 30 countries around the world. It has an observer status at the UN. Caritas organisations know the ATD Fouth World Movement in most of the places where they are.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 each year since 1993. It promotes people’s awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
The International Movement ATD Fourth World and the International Committee for October 17 invite you to join us and pledge your support for this call to action.