Arab Non- Violence Society Observed International Day for Eradication of Poverty

Doha, Qatar, October 18, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Observing the International Day for Eradication of Poverty Dr. Naseer Homoud, Foreign Affairs Advisor of Arab Non- Violence Society and Honorary Member of Arab Youth Media Forum said “the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an opportunity for people across the world to acknowledge the effort and struggle of those living in poverty, and the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries. The Day is also a chance for the poor to make their concerns heard and to use their own expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.” He further said “in the fight against poverty, the broad development framework of the MDGs should continue to be the rallying point for the UN system and the international community.”

He mentioned that poverty has many faces. Inadequate income can lead to lack of food, shelter or other physical necessities. Indirectly, insufficient material resources also lead to other dimensions of poverty, like social exclusion or poor access to education, health, services or infrastructure. “A vicious cycle of malnutrition and poverty will be never-ending in third world countries unless the poor are given the full right to food, rather than just food alone. In order to create food justice each nation should ensure a law guaranteeing the right to food by equal distribution of resources and education, authentic implementation of public schemes and punishment before the law of public officials who violate the right to food and then only we could achieve the food justice,” he said.

Marinating that poverty eradication is not only a UNMDG Goal rather it is backbone to other MDGs as well Dr. Homoud noted “real and lasting change for the better must start with the conviction that not only can we achieve the MDGs but also that we must go beyond. The evidence of progress in realizing the MDGs in rapidly developing countries as well as in some of the poorest, point to the possibilities that exist for a successful attack on poverty. At this time of heightened economic and social uncertainty, we must transform possibility into reality.” He urged that the economic and social models that breed poverty can be transformed to deliver economic growth with social justice.

Outlining the vicious cycle of linkage between poverty and food security Dr. Homoud said, “it is not surprising that poverty and food security are linked, as the world’s poorest countries are often among the world’s hungriest. Hunger, in turn, contributes to poverty, facilitating a devastating cycle. We cannot deny a bitter truth that persistent hunger results in reduced worker productivity, poor health and lost education, costing poor countries billions every year.”

“This day is an opportunity for us to show camaraderie with millions of men, women and children who continue to live in wretched poverty, and to freely acknowledge and encourage the work of organizations and individuals who are making significant assistance to the fight against poverty. It is also an occasion to raise public consciousness and mobilize various actors to show their renewed assurance to the eradication of poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals,” he said.

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