International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Since 1992, the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, celebrated every October 17, has aimed to raise awareness and foster dialogue between people living in poverty and society as a whole. This day serves as a reminder that poverty is not only an economic issue—it is also a violation of human dignity and a collective challenge that calls for solidarity.
According to the latest United Nations data, about 575 million people, or 7% of the global population, could still be living in extreme poverty by 2030. This reality reflects the persistence of inequality and exclusion mechanisms that continue to trap millions of families in hardship despite their efforts to overcome it.
2025 Theme: Recognizing and Combating Social and Institutional Mistreatment
This year’s observance shines a light on an often invisible dimension of poverty — the social and institutional mistreatment endured by individuals and families experiencing poverty.
Behind the statistics lie countless stories of rejection, stigmatization, and humiliation, lived daily in schools, hospitals, and social institutions. These subtle yet pervasive forms of violence perpetuate cycles of exclusion and weaken already vulnerable families.
“Social and institutional mistreatment destroys our dignity. We often feel powerless because we put all our energy into something and, in the end, see no results.” — Testimony from a person living in poverty
The Forum on Overcoming Extreme Poverty, a key partner in this observance, stresses the importance of understanding the structural causes of poverty:
“When living in extreme poverty, one is trapped in a complex system of power and domination. We must adopt a systemic approach to show how these different dimensions interact.”
2025 Focus: Supporting Families and Restoring Dignity
Changing the way we look at impoverished families
The 2025 commemoration emphasizes the need to respect and support families living in poverty. The goal is to listen to and understand their lived reality in order to provide appropriate assistance and to end structural injustices that sometimes lead to family separation.
“Children from poor neighborhoods are rejected, stigmatized, and marginalized instead of being supported.” — Maurice
“We continue to experience institutional mistreatment. It’s part of daily life in schools and healthcare centers. We must make these realities heard and bring our voices to the world.” — Collective contribution, Peru
“Social and institutional mistreatment is one of the greatest forms of injustice we currently face in our communities.” — Collective contribution, Democratic Republic of Congo
A Call to Action
Around the world, events, marches, vigils, and reflection sessions are being held to remind us that eradicating poverty requires recognition, justice, and shared responsibility.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2025 invites us to listen to the voices of those living in poverty, to stand against discrimination, and to work together toward building more inclusive and compassionate societies, where every person can live with dignity.
Photo credits: ATD Fourth World and Forum on Overcoming Extreme Poverty