Who are we?

The International Movement ATD Fourth World is a non-governmental organization with no religious or political affiliation which engages with individuals and institutions to find solutions to eradicate extreme poverty. Working in partnership with people in poverty, ATD Fourth World’s human rights-based approach focuses on supporting families and individuals through its grass-roots presence and involvement in disadvantaged communities, in both urban and rural areas, creating public awareness of extreme poverty and influencing policies to address it.

Joseph Wresinski

1917 -1988

Joseph Wresinski was born to immigrant parents in a poor neighbourhood of Angers, France. He grew up in a family which suffered from chronic poverty and social exclusion.
In 1946, he was ordained as a priest and served in industrial and rural (…)

Text of the General Assembly of the International Movement ATD Fourth World

November 2004

All human beings, regardless of their place in society, are equal in dignity, which must be respected, not violated by anyone for any reason. Equal dignity is the basis for fundamental rights especially the right to freedom of expression, to (…)

The Movement relies on people’s commitment

ATD Fourth World is a Human Rights Movement that calls for a profound transformation of society. This requires a revision of society’s priorities and a readjustment of its resources so that the very poorest people have the same chance as others (…)

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ATD Fourth World International Structure and Activity Reports
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Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated.
To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.

Joseph Wresinski