FREDERICTON (GNB) – The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty will be observed in New Brunswick and around the world on Wednesday, Oct. 17. This year’s theme is Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity.
“I invite New Brunswickers to join in solidarity with those living in poverty and work together to improve their quality of life,” said Nick Ganong, chair of the board of directors of the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation. “Through our commitments and actions, small gestures such as volunteering at a local breakfast program, helping a senior citizen with domestic chores, or even just taking the time to chat with a homeless person can make a big difference in someone’s life.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the declaration of the day by the General Assembly of the United Nations. It is also the 30th anniversary of the Call to Action by Father Joseph Wresinski, which inspired the observance of Oct.17 as the World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty.
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“It is important to recall the fundamental connection between extreme poverty and human rights,” said Ganong. “People living in poverty are disproportionately affected by many human rights violations.”
Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan brings together government, business and community representatives as well as individuals to be part of a social project aimed at meeting the basic needs of New Brunswickers so they can live in dignity, safety and good health.
The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation and the 12 Community Inclusion Networks throughout the province are responsible for the implementation and co-ordination of the plan. The corporation acknowledges the hundreds of non-profit organizations and their volunteers who play a role in poverty reduction through their community involvement.
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