Celebration of October 17 2010

Since 1992 October 17, The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed every year to mark the presence of extreme poverty and to promote the awareness of the need to eradicate extreme poverty and destitution in all countries. In Thailand October 17 also signifies partnership among allies who share the conviction that extreme poverty is intolerable and eradication of extreme poverty is their duties. The celebration of Oct 17 comes in various forms and features. In all events, people who live in poverty are part of October 17 celebration. For instance in 2007 the celebration saw the partnership among UNDP, ESCAP and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, ATD Fourth World and Friends of ATD Foundation organizing activities at UN Conference Hall and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. In 2008 the celebration took place at UNESCO in which the representatives from various organizations and the poor themselves took part in the conference ‘The Human-Rights Based Approach to Eradicate Poverty to Create Inclusive Society’.

In 2009 which is the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, The Oct 17 event called for the participation of the children to share their views on poverty and poverty eradication in the forms of drawing and essay contest. More than 100 school children and children from the communities joined the contest. The celebration took place at Thammasat University, Tha Prachan. In all events participants came from all walks of life and the poor have been invited to be part of all events.

For 2010, the organizers of October 17 plan for a symbolic event. The event is aimed to raise awareness of the presence of extreme poverty and the importance of October 17. The celebration calls for ideas and participations to address the issues poverty and poverty eradication.

Objectives

1. To reaffirm the significance of October 17 and to open space for the poor to speak out. 2. To encourage people to share their views on poverty and poverty eradication 3. To serve as venue to share opinions and knowledge on poverty and poverty eradication. 4. To submit the views and recommendations on poverty eradication to concerned parties.

PROGRAM October 17 From 10:am to 12 Noon Railway Park (Chatuchak District)

Activities to solicit opinions on poverty and poverty eradication Drawing Story-telling Singing Writing messages Reading testimony