That millions of people live in extreme poverty is a moral tragedy in a world marked by an unparalleled degree of industrial growth, technology and financial capital. Poverty is not only an economic problem but a multidimensional phenomenon involving both a lack of wealth and a lack of the fundamental capacity to live with dignity.

Many interrelated and mutually reinforcing deprivations are faced by people living in poverty that prohibit them from understanding their rights and perpetuating their poverty.

This year marks the 27th anniversary of the declaration of 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty by the General Assembly in its Resolution 47/196 of 22 December 1992. This year also marks the 32nd anniversary of Father Joseph Wresinski’s Call to Action, which prompted the observance of October 17 as the World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty and the designation of the day as the International Day for Poverty Eradication by the United Nations.