The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on 17 October, recognizes that ending poverty is inseparable from protecting human rights, human dignity and peace. Background The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 17 October 1987. 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. These convictions are inscribed in a commemorative stone unveiled on this day. Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins have gathered every year on October 17th to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor. Replicas of the commemorative stone have been unveiled around the world and serve as a gathering place to celebrate the Day. One such replica is located in the garden of United Nations Headquarters and is the site of the annual commemoration organized by the United Nations Secretariat in New York . Through resolution 47/196 adopted on 22 December 1992, the General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. 17 October presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. Participation of the poor themselves has been at the center of the Day's celebration since its very beginning. The commemoration of October 17th also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty. Theme for 2026 - Safe Homes for All Under the 2026–2028 theme “United for Peace and Human Rights,” the 2026 observance focuses on “Safe Homes for All,” highlighting adequate housing as a foundation for security, participation and a life of dignity. More than 2.8 billion people worldwide face some form of housing inadequacy. People already experiencing poverty and exclusion bear the greatest burden. Without a safe and stable home, access to health care, education, employment and participation in community life becomes far more difficult. Housing insecurity is not simply a question of shelter. Unsafe, unaffordable, overcrowded or insecure housing can reinforce poverty and exclusion, and undermine the enjoyment of other human rights. The 2026 concept note, therefore, calls for housing policies and systems that place human dignity, human rights and people's needs at their centre. For 2026, the Day calls for action in three key areas: Make safe housing a human-rights priority: Respect, protect and progressively fulfil the right to adequate housing, and give a dignified standard of living the appropriate priority in public policy and budgeting. Design policies with people experiencing poverty: Move beyond token consultation and involve people experiencing poverty and housing exclusion directly in the design, implementation and evaluation of housing policies, recognizing them as rights- and knowledge-holders. Mobilize resources for safe homes for all: Strengthen public financing and other resources needed to expand access to safe, accessible and affordable housing while ensuring that no one is left behind. The 2026 focus also builds on the Doha Political Declaration, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly following the Second World Summit for Social Development in November 2025. The Declaration reaffirms the right to an adequate standard of living - including adequate, safe, accessible and affordable housing; safe drinking water; and adequate sanitation and hygiene - while emphasizing action to address poverty in all its forms and dimensions. Ensuring safe and adequate housing supports progress across the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 — No Poverty, SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Source : United Nations