The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 across the world. The first commemoration of the event took place in 1987 where 100,000 people gathered on the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadéro to honour victims of poverty, hunger, violence and fear. It was held at the unveiling of a commemorative stone by Father Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World. The day tries to highlight how millions of people are living in extreme poverty. The day tries to showcase it as an economic issue, but "a multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses a lack of both income and the basic capabilities to live in dignity". Hunger and poverty are social evils which kill millions every year, while various measures are undertaken to eradicate, it continues to be prevalent in society. And as we observe the day, we take a look at quotes by famous figures about human security, economic security, food and poverty. India Halved Poverty Rate Since 1990s, Achieved 7 Plus Growth Rate Over Last 15 Years.

The United Nations officially designated October 17 as The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty four years after the death of Wresinski. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2019 theme is 'Acting Together to Empower Children, their Families and Communities to End Poverty'. October 17 is an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty. It is a day when concerns of the underprivileged are heard and their fight with poverty. Participating in the city shows one's willingness to work for the poor and eradication of poverty. As we observe International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2019, here are some quotes on the issues which highlight the problem. You can also post these quotes by popular people on social media to raise awareness about the day and its significance. Global Hunger Index: India Slips to 102nd Rank Out of 117 Countries, Behind Nepal, Pakistan And Bangladesh.

Plutarch on imbalance between rich and poor (Photo Credits: File Photo)"An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics." - Plutarch, the Greek historian

Eli Khamarov on poverty (Photo Credits: File Photo)

"Poverty is like punishment for a crime you didn't commit." - Eli Khamarov, writer

Mother Teresa on hunger (Photo Credits: File Photo)

"The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread." - Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic nun

Jeff Bridges' thoughts on poverty (Photo Credits: File Photo)

"Poverty is a very complicated issue, but feeding a child isn’t." – Jeff Bridges

Ban Ki-Moon on poverty and economic growth (Photo Credits: File Photo)

"Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth…these are one and the same fight." - Ban Ki-moon, Eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations

Kofi Annan on poverty (Photo Credits: File Photo)

"Extreme poverty anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere." - Kofi Annan, Seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations

The text engraved on original commemorative stone in Paris, is by Joseph Wresinski, which says, "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." In relation to the theme, the Convention recognises the right of every child to a standard of living adequate for the child's physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on November 20, 1989. This human rights treaty sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2019 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).