Letter to Friends Around the World – Special 17 October Edition

Dear friends,
We are happy to send you this special 17 October edition of our Letter to Friends Around the World. Thirty years ago, 100,000 people gathered on the Trocadero Human Rights Plaza in
Paris to answer Joseph Wresinski‘s Call to Action:

“On the 17th of October 1987, defenders of human and civil rights from every continent gathered on this plaza.
They paid homage to the victims of hunger, ignorance and violence.
They affirmed their conviction that human misery is not inevitable.
They pledged their solidarity with all people who, throughout the world, strive to eradicate extreme poverty.”

“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.”

Father Joseph Wresinski

30th anniversary

2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the World Day for Overcoming Poverty and the 25th anniversary of its recognition by the United Nations as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. For this year’s special 17 October commemoration, the theme chosen by the United Nations is:

Answering the Call of 17 October to end poverty:
A path toward peaceful and inclusive societies

Let’s affirm our commitment to overcoming extreme poverty by celebrating 17 October, and signing the 2017 Call to Action so we can “build a peaceful world where no one is left behind.”

Forum on Overcoming Extreme Poverty Team

Download the letter.