October 17 was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1992. The day was first celebrated in 1987 as ATD Fourth World’s founder, Joseph Wresinski, led over 100,000 people to the Human Rights Plaza in Paris, France. A commemorative stone was laid on that occasion, engraved with the same text as stones subsequently laid at the United Nations offices in New York, at the European Union offices in Belgium, and in other places around the world:

“Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.” —Joseph Wresinski, founder of ATD Fourth World.

Every year, gatherings happen everywhere in the World. October 17th is a Day to affirm that extreme poverty is unacceptable and that it is a violation of Human Rights. We can make an end to this scandal if we meet together and we consider what the people who live the situation of poverty have to tell us.  Here in Quebec, a dozen gatherings happen across the province each year. 

Find a event near you

For more information, you can visit the official website of October 17 here: http://overcomingpoverty.org/