Children and Families Speak Out Against Poverty

Investments in children and the realization of their rights are among the most effective ways to eradicate poverty.

In recognition of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the 2009 observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, focused on the plight of children and families living in poverty and the need to fulfill children's rights in partnership with them and in keeping with the Convention.

Since the adoption of the Convention, there have been considerable advances around the world in securing children's rights to survival, health and education. A better protective environment has been created to shield children from exploitation and abuse as well. Nevertheless, there is much to be done to create a world fit for children as "a brighter future for all children has proved elusive, and overall gains have fallen short of national obligations and international commitments.

This year's observance highlights the role of the convention in securing children's rights, in particular the right to survival and full development, the right to protection from abuse and exploitation and the right to participation in family, cultural and social life. Participation also means that children have the right to express their opinions and have those opinions heard and acted upon when appropriate.

The observance will present an opportunity for children to speak out against poverty and dialogue with others. We will hear from children, young people, parents, and people working with them on their actions to implement policies which strengthen both children and their families in tackling poverty and exclusion.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, says: "Today we recognize the daily struggles and contributions of those living in poverty and resolve to intensify efforts to eliminate the scourge once and for all. At a time of multiple global crises, the poorest and most vulnerable have a special claim on our attention. We know that, in any recession, those hurt first and worst are the poor. According to recent estimates, the global economic crisis has claimed at least 50 million jobs this year. As many as 100 million more people are expected to fall below the poverty line in 2009. Climate change further compounds the problem.

The theme of this year's observance, "Children and Families Speak Out Against Poverty", coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We recognise that investing in children and securing their rights is one of the surest ways to ending poverty. Despite our world of plenty, children's basic needs are still being sidelined.

Millions of children continue to be deprived of an education, with many more at risk of dropping out of school. This is particularly true for girl children.

The United Nations is responding to the crisis on a number of fronts promoting food security, building a greener economy, ensuring stronger safety nets and putting forward a Global Jobs Pact.

We are also developing a Global Impact and Vulnerability Alert System - GIVAS to create a networked capacity for real-time data collection and analysis. Policies must be driven by a solid picture of developments on the ground."

The 2009 observance will take place tomorrow, October 19 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.