The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty goes way back to October 17, 1987, where thousands of individuals gathered in Paris, at the Trocadero, the place where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was first signed in 1948, so as to pay respect to all victims of poverty, violence and hunger. The General Assembly, since then has declared October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and encourages all of the Member States to promote this day every year and undertake initiatives and activities that relate to the eradication of poverty.

October 17th is, in a way, an occasion to recognize the need that many individuals have and the problems that they are faced with. This day provides individuals with the chance to speak up and present with their experiences and concerns. Emphasis has always been placed on the participation of individuals living in poverty since they are immediately and directly affected.

Read further: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/social/intldays/IntlDay/index.html