Int Day Pov“On this day we recommit to think, decide and act together against extreme poverty — and plan for a world where no-one is left behind. Our aim must be prosperity for all, not just a few.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The 17 October is the day on which we are to recommit to acting against extreme poverty. No doubt throughout the world there will be many actions, ceremonies and documents produced to highlight this commitment – and rightly so. But what about the 18 October? Or the 18 November? Will we still be committed to fighting extreme poverty and more importantly, will there have been actions to back up that commitment, actions that will see change in the lives of people who live in the most abject poverty on the 17 October and all the days after? Without actions, the words we say are meaningless. Without actions, we will see more poverty and exclusion not less. That is why Eurodiaconia has called for clear actions to address extreme poverty and homelessness in our statement for the 17 October. 

Our members know what is needed: commitments to actions and political change that will ensure that inequalities are reduced and that extreme destitution such as homelessness is eradicated. Homelessness in Europe is something we should be ashamed of. It is an affront to our collective and individual sense of fundamental rights. It strips people of their dignity and if we do nothing about it there is the danger that it strips the rest of us of our humanity.

So this year, we hope that our political leaders listen to those who work with people in extreme destitution and respond to their knowledge and experience by matching great words with even greater actions. Eurodiaconia members are at the forefront of addressing this issue but need more support both politically and practically. Hopefully, this year they will get it.

Have a good weekend,
Heather