Knowing that more than 1.4 billion people still struggle to live on less than $1.25 a day (World Bank), it is obvious that much more must be done to eradicate the scourge of extreme poverty. The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) coordinate the Social Protection Floor Initiative (SPF-I) as a joint UN effort to build a global coalition committed to supporting countries in building national social protection floors for their citizens.
The following Civil Society Statement was presented during the 49th session of the UN Commission for Social Development (9-18 February 2011). It is a good example of the work of the NGO Committee for Social Development.
Flying over the capital and seeing it dotted by thousands of tents moves the heart. Most green spaces are transformed into a mass of blue and white… As soon as one leaves the airport grounds, the powerful impact of tents lining the road, occupying every available space.
The Working Group on Poverty and Climate Change of the NGO Committee on Social Development has written a statement
On February 20, 2011 it is once again World Day of Social Justice. In its resolution of 26 November 2007, the General Assembly recognized that “social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.” (A/RES/62/10).
In 1992, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared October 17 of each year the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year, the Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the USG/UISG Secretariat in Rome has prepared a prayer service for October 17. It has been translated in 12 languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Polish, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese and English.
2010 is a pivotal year for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): two-thirds of the 15 years to achieve them has passed yet progress on the goals has been too slow in many parts of the world.
20 February 2010 is an important day for all persons in our global village but especially for those of us committed to living the Good News of peace and justice. The World Day of Social Justice is being observed for the second time following its unanimous adoption in 2007 by the 192 member States of the United Nations.
