Poverty Day 2024: Emphasizing the need for Just and Inclusive Societies

October 17 was the 32nd poverty day. On this day, people get awareness about how to eradicate poverty. This day was begun by the United Nations General Assembly, whose aim was to make people aware of the increased cases of poverty and how people in financial struggle are often treated badly.

For South Africa, this day has many importance. Even after 30 years of democracy, the nation still does not get equal treatment in the world. Furthermore, more than the nation’s people struggle with financial crisis.  

The 32nd International Day of Poverty has a theme: “Ending social and institutional maltreatment and acting together for just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.” This theme brings attention to ‌people who receive unfair treatment and suffer with low incomes. This type of treatment goes against the values of fairness and inclusion. 

People who are suffering from financial crises also get unfair treatment in schools, workplaces, hospitals, and religious places, showing a lack of respect for their dignity.

However, world leaders who have ethical responsibilities also expressed discrimination against people who live in poverty. Most of the time, this unfair treatment is overlooked. It can be verbal, such as insulting people in regular activities such as during shopping or when reporting a crime. 

This behavior is due to a lack of knowledge that people having less money do not deserve respect. Emotional mistreatment is also common, including neglect, hostile environments, isolation, and threats. These actions have only aimed to get control of ‌people who live in poverty. 

Physical abuse is one of ‌the most serious forms of mistreatment. It includes threats of violence, damaging property, or being excluded from ‌public areas. Furthermore, middle and low-level people also do not have permission to access some essential services. This can lead to homelessness, mental health problems, and even death. Instant action is needed to combat these injustices. 

In ‌both visible and hidden ways,‌ social mistreatment can be seen. And people who commit this social abuse often go unpunished. People think that these actions are not illegal, but this social discrimination is against international rules. People with a belief that their mistreated actions are justified can lead to many big complexities. 

Many organizations are the main culprits behind this social and institutional mistreatment, especially for those who suffer from poverty. According to them, they have justified rules that worsen discrimination against poor individuals.  The United Nations states that those living in poverty frequently encounter judgment and neglect from these organizations.

In South Africa, assessing services needs money, education, and confidence to deal with obstacles. This difference badly affects ‌key areas of life like education, healthcare, housing, and jobs.

Furthermore, these foundations perpetuate prejudices against the poor, resulting in a vicious cycle of discrimination based on socioeconomic standing. This affects not just people with low-paying occupations but also others who labor informally, such as contractors and street sellers.

A dangerous society full of prejudice and injustice is produced when those living in poverty are treated unfairly. Exclusion based on economic class, gender, and ethnicity results from this mistreatment.

“Aporophobia” refers to the critical attitudes that some people have toward the indigent, which lead to obstacles that keep them from fully engaging in society. Many people’s physical and mental health suffers as a result of this kind of abuse. 

The entire society is weakened when people’s dignity is violated. It is our collective responsibility to alter these detrimental mindsets; everyone has a part to play in combating poverty.

Understanding the difficulties experienced by persons living in poverty requires education. Society may collaborate to discover solutions to eradicate poverty and advance inclusion by increasing awareness. In light of South Africa’s 30 years of democracy, it is critical to work toward a world free from poverty. Overcoming poverty is an act of justice that necessitates a group effort, as Nelson Mandela stated.