October 17 marks International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Baku, October 17, AZERTAC
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on 17 October, recognizes that ending poverty is inseparable from protecting human rights, human dignity and peace, according to UN. Under the 2026–2028 theme “United for Peace and Human Rights,” the 2026 observance focuses on “Safe Homes for All,” highlighting adequate housing as a foundation for security, participation and a life of dignity.
More than 2.8 billion people worldwide face some form of housing inadequacy. People already experiencing poverty and exclusion bear the greatest burden. Without a safe and stable home, access to health care, education, employment and participation in community life becomes far more difficult.
Housing insecurity is not simply a question of shelter. Unsafe, unaffordable, overcrowded or insecure housing can reinforce poverty and exclusion, and undermine the enjoyment of other human rights. The 2026 concept note, therefore, calls for housing policies and systems that place human dignity, human rights and people's needs at their centre.
For 2026, the Day calls for action in three key areas:
Make safe housing a human-rights priority: Respect, protect and progressively fulfil the right to adequate housing, and give a dignified standard of living the appropriate priority in public policy and budgeting.
Design policies with people experiencing poverty: Move beyond token consultation and involve people experiencing poverty and housing exclusion directly in the design, implementation and evaluation of housing policies, recognizing them as rights- and knowledge-holders.
Mobilize resources for safe homes for all: Strengthen public financing and other resources needed to expand access to safe, accessible and affordable housing while ensuring that no one is left behind.
The 2026 focus also builds on the Doha Political Declaration (A/RES/80/5), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly following the Second World Summit for Social Development in November 2025. The Declaration reaffirms the right to an adequate standard of living - including adequate, safe, accessible and affordable housing; safe drinking water; and adequate sanitation and hygiene - while emphasizing action to address poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
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