INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY

On the 17th of October, BCIL held an event in Mulhuddart Community Centre, to commemorate the Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a global movement, held each year, that aims to promote a dialogue between the people living in poverty and society. It also aims to encourage people from different backgrounds to participate in against ending poverty and their communities. They come together to show solidarity and determined to work towards a world where everyone has equal access to human dignity and rights.  The event was attended by various individuals from different backgrounds who gave a speech included Shelley Gaynor from ILMI, Una Mc. Neill from MABS, Catherine Cooper from CRC and BCIL by Gerry Murray MC. The purpose was to be an informative and educational event and ensure that the rights of those living in poverty are respected and their struggles are honoured.

On this day is that we remember the words of Joseph Wresinski (17 October 1987), as he called for the eradication of poverty throughout the world –“Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights are respected is our solemn duty”.

In Ireland, about two in five people with a disability are at risk of experiencing poverty, while one in five people with a similar situation are living in consistent poverty. These rates are now almost five times higher than the general population.

Being able to live a life free from poverty is a fundamental human right for people with disabilities. We need to ensure that all individuals with disabilities are provided with adequate resources, enabling to live the lives they choose. Aside from being able to access opportunities, poverty also involves the ability to make informed decisions and participate in the decisions that affect their lives.

BCIL is a service that provides support and resources to people with disabilities in Dublin 15. Through events like this one, we aim to raise awareness about the various issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities.