International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an International Observance day celebrated every year on October 17 throughout the world. It was officially recognised by the United Nations, but the first commemoration of the event 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. This call was made by Joseph Wresinski (1917–1988), founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World.

The text engraved in a commemorative stone reads as follows:

"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 (1917–1988) founder of ATD Fourth World.