The United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in 2024 highlights the urgent need to address the social and institutional maltreatment experienced by individuals living in poverty. This year's theme underscores the multifaceted nature of poverty, illustrating that it is not solely an economic issue but is deeply intertwined with social injustices, discrimination, and exclusion from vital services. As the world strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on eradicating poverty is essential for creating a more just and inclusive global society.
The global impact of poverty and maltreatment
Poverty is a complex phenomenon that goes beyond a lack of financial resources; it is often compounded by systemic maltreatment that undermines the dignity of those affected. Individuals living in poverty frequently encounter negative attitudes, stigmatisation, and discrimination based on their circumstances. Such maltreatment leads to what is termed "institutional maltreatment," wherein public and private institutions create barriers that prevent access to essential services like healthcare, education, and housing.
According to the World Bank, over 700 million people globally live in extreme poverty, defined as subsisting on less than $2.15 a day. These individuals often find themselves trapped in a cycle of disadvantage, facing obstacles that make it nearly impossible to escape poverty. For instance, negative perceptions surrounding poverty can result in discriminatory policies that deny people their fundamental human rights, further entrenching poverty and inequality.
Poverty by region: Analytics and disparities
The impact of poverty varies significantly across different regions, highlighting the need for tailored solutions to combat this pervasive issue. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the hardest-hit region, with approximately 40% of its population living in extreme poverty. This area accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s extreme poor, primarily due to ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and inadequate social protection mechanisms.
In South Asia, while poverty has been declining, about 20% of the population still lives below the poverty line. Efforts to combat poverty in this region have seen some success, largely due to targeted initiatives in healthcare and education. However, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where access to resources remains limited.
Latin America and the Caribbean have a lower extreme poverty rate of around 13%, but income inequality continues to pose significant challenges. Countries such as Chile and Uruguay have made notable progress in reducing poverty; however, others, like Venezuela, face economic crises that exacerbate poverty levels.
Conversely, Europe and Central Asia exhibit some of the lowest extreme poverty rates globally, typically below 3%. Despite this, issues such as social exclusion and economic inequality still affect vulnerable populations, particularly in Eastern Europe, where the transition from centrally planned economies has been uneven.
East Asia, particularly China, has made remarkable strides in poverty reduction over the past few decades, with over 850 million people lifted out of extreme poverty since 1978. Nevertheless, rural populations and ethnic minorities continue to face disproportionate levels of poverty, indicating the need for inclusive policies that address these disparities.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grapples with fluctuating poverty levels, driven by political instability and conflict. Approximately 20% of the population lives in poverty, with countries like Yemen and Syria suffering from humanitarian crises that exacerbate the situation. Economic stagnation and insufficient social services hinder progress in reducing poverty and inequality across the region.
The role of institutions and global collaboration
Institutions significantly influence how poverty is perceived and addressed. Unfortunately, many public and private entities perpetuate discriminatory practices that exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals in poverty. This systemic bias often leads to policies that marginalise the very populations they are intended to support, further entrenching poverty.
For instance, families living in poverty are often subjected to negative judgments from government service providers, leading to feelings of shame and inadequacy. Such perceptions can hinder access to essential support services, exacerbating the struggles faced by these families. Therefore, global collaboration is vital to reforming these institutional frameworks, ensuring they are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
Real-world initiatives for poverty eradication
Numerous initiatives worldwide focus on combating poverty and its associated injustices. One such effort is the Global Society’s focus on sustainable development, which aligns with the UN’s SDGs, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty). The organisation promotes social justice and economic equality through partnerships that empower communities most affected by poverty.
The Smurfit Kappa Foundation is another notable example, supporting initiatives that aim to reduce inequality within and among countries. By providing education and healthcare to disadvantaged communities, the foundation works to break the cycle of poverty and improve the quality of life for those in need.
In addition, organisations such as Oxfam and Save the Children are actively involved in addressing poverty on a global scale. They implement programmes that focus on improving access to essential services, promoting education, and advocating for policy changes that benefit marginalized communities. These initiatives demonstrate the critical role of collaborative efforts in tackling poverty and fostering social inclusion.
Achieving the global goals through sustained efforts
The eradication of poverty is a central component of the global goals. Collaborative efforts from governments, institutions, and communities are necessary to address the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and discrimination. By promoting inclusivity and dignity for all, the global society can work towards creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Sustained efforts are needed to meet the SDGs, particularly SDG 1 and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The global community must prioritise social justice, economic equality, and institutional reform to ensure that individuals living in poverty have access to the resources and opportunities they need to build a better life.
The 2024 United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty highlights the urgent need to address not only the economic aspects of poverty but also the social and institutional maltreatment that many individuals experience. The global society must continue to collaborate in addressing these critical issues to foster just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. By tackling discrimination and promoting social justice, the world can move closer to achieving the global goals and creating a more equitable future for all.
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