Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 18:21
MINISTER FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN & SOCIAL PROTECTION HON. LYNDA TABUYA’S STATEMENT ON THE 2024...
The United Nations (UN) International day for the Eradication of Poverty is an international observance commemorated every year on October 17 since 1992. It promotes awareness on the need to eradicate poverty and destitution on a global scale, particularly in developing countries.
On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.
They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected.
As we commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we reflect on the theme of this year's observance: "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies."
This day, observed annually since 1992, marks its 32nd year, reminding us of our collective responsibility to address the pervasive issue of poverty and its multifaceted impacts on our communities.
Poverty has multiple dimensions, some visible and others hidden, but all interlinked.
This year's theme of observance highlights one of the hidden dimensions of poverty, the social and institutional maltreatment experienced by people living in poverty, as we consider ways to act together on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
Poverty is not merely a lack of financial resources; it is a complex social issue that encompasses deprivation of basic human rights, dignity, and access to essential services.
It is imperative that we recognise and combat the social and institutional maltreatment that perpetuates cycles of poverty and marginalization. This year, we emphasise the importance of unity and collaboration among all sectors of society -government, civil society, and individuals - to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Fiji Government over the years has implemented more than 100 Programmes that are targeted towards poverty reduction to improve access to services and access to income for affected Fijians living on or below the poverty line. In General, Governments Poverty Programmes cuts across the four sectors of Government such as: - Social Welfare Programmes which are targeted at assisting Women, Children, Elderly and Persons living with Disability, Housing assistance programmes specifically for low income earners to encourage home ownership, infrastructural development programmes which has improved accessibility to basic services such as upgrading of roads, bridges and jetties, rural electrification projects and access to clean water.
In addition, Government has prioritised the need to improve access to health services through the introduction of the free medicine scheme, community health workers and provision of income generating initiatives by supporting our farmers, fisher folk and small business entrepreneurs to name a few.
We must advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, justice, and inclusion. It is our duty to ensure that vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and marginalised groups, are not only heard but actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. By fostering a culture of respect and dignity, we can dismantle the barriers that contribute to poverty and social exclusion.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to building just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. Together, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to live free from poverty and maltreatment. On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us act with purpose and solidarity, ensuring that no one is left behind.
On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.
They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected.
As we commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we reflect on the theme of this year's observance: "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies."
This day, observed annually since 1992, marks its 32nd year, reminding us of our collective responsibility to address the pervasive issue of poverty and its multifaceted impacts on our communities.
Poverty has multiple dimensions, some visible and others hidden, but all interlinked.
This year's theme of observance highlights one of the hidden dimensions of poverty, the social and institutional maltreatment experienced by people living in poverty, as we consider ways to act together on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
Poverty is not merely a lack of financial resources; it is a complex social issue that encompasses deprivation of basic human rights, dignity, and access to essential services.
It is imperative that we recognise and combat the social and institutional maltreatment that perpetuates cycles of poverty and marginalization. This year, we emphasise the importance of unity and collaboration among all sectors of society -government, civil society, and individuals - to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Fiji Government over the years has implemented more than 100 Programmes that are targeted towards poverty reduction to improve access to services and access to income for affected Fijians living on or below the poverty line. In General, Governments Poverty Programmes cuts across the four sectors of Government such as: - Social Welfare Programmes which are targeted at assisting Women, Children, Elderly and Persons living with Disability, Housing assistance programmes specifically for low income earners to encourage home ownership, infrastructural development programmes which has improved accessibility to basic services such as upgrading of roads, bridges and jetties, rural electrification projects and access to clean water.
In addition, Government has prioritised the need to improve access to health services through the introduction of the free medicine scheme, community health workers and provision of income generating initiatives by supporting our farmers, fisher folk and small business entrepreneurs to name a few.
We must advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, justice, and inclusion. It is our duty to ensure that vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and marginalised groups, are not only heard but actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. By fostering a culture of respect and dignity, we can dismantle the barriers that contribute to poverty and social exclusion.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to building just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. Together, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to live free from poverty and maltreatment. On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us act with purpose and solidarity, ensuring that no one is left behind.