The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed every year on 17 October. It reminds us that poverty is multidimensional: income matters, but so do safe housing, health care, education, decent work, equal rights and the ability to participate in decisions.
For 2026, the United Nations’ broader 2026–2028 theme is “United for Peace and Human Rights,” with a focus on “Safe Homes for All.” A safe, stable home supports dignity and can make it easier to reach school, work, health services and community life. Housing insecurity is therefore a human-rights and inclusion issue as well as an economic one.
How to observe
Listen to people with lived experience, support local housing and anti-poverty organizations, learn about barriers to secure housing and social protection, and encourage solutions developed with affected communities. Avoid framing poverty as an individual failing: durable progress depends on fair systems, opportunity and respect for rights.
This day calls for practical solidarity and policies that help everyone live with security and dignity.