© Chris Meisch / RTL
Next Friday, 17 October, marks the World Day for the Eradication of Poverty, an event celebrated in Luxembourg and organised by the human rights organisation ATD Quart Monde.
The day was initiated in 1987 by Joseph Wresinski, whose words "where men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated" sparked a global movement against injustice.
In Luxembourg, the human rights organisation ATD Quart Monde has been active since 1981, working to support people experiencing poverty and social exclusion. Their commitment is symbolised by the so-called Solidarity Table, installed in the courtyard of Neumünster Abbey in 2005. This year marks its 20th anniversary.
'A day to express our engagement'
The United Nations officially recognised 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in 1992. For Carlo Kieffer, coordinator of ATD Luxembourg, it remains a key moment to highlight solidarity and social justice. "It's a day to express our engagement and our belief that together we can bring about change," he says.
Kieffer explains that while much of the organisation's work focuses on listening to and supporting people directly, the annual event provides a platform to share their stories publicly: "These testimonies are at the heart of what we do."
Despite Luxembourg's wealth?
Although Luxembourg is one of the richest countries in the world, it is not immune to hardship. Valérie Dell'Angela, project manager at ATD Luxembourg, stresses that poverty is not only about finances but also about the toll it takes on people's wellbeing.
"People become increasingly isolated and often suffer from low self-esteem. As one of our activists once said: there is no person who is good for nothing; everyone can contribute something to society."
20 years of solidarity
To celebrate the Solidarity Table's anniversary and mark the upcoming International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a special commemoration will take place at Neumünster Abbey. Among those attending will be Family Minister Max Hahn and Culture Minister Eric Thill.
