With ATD Fourth World: Young people want to create a Europe which leaves no one behind
European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
This European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion reminds us that ten years ago, European Union Heads of State and Government committed themselves to making “a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty” by 2010. In the current climate of economic crisis, injustices are being reinforced despite decisive steps being taken by Europe including the recognition of fundamental rights. Economic growth alone is not enough to eradicate extreme poverty.
ATD Fourth World believes that it will only be possible to attain this goal if all European policies are based on the participation of the poorest members of society, on the indivisible and effective nature of Human Rights and on the involvement of all citizens.
ATD Fourth World has therefore taken the decision in 2010 to join with and support young people, especially those who have the least freedom to fulfil their personal aspirations and to contribute to building a Europe which leaves no one behind. Young people are already thinking and taking action. Despite their fears for their own futures, young people in the European Union have and can provide solutions and therefore a future for Europe. We need to listen to them and enable them to act.
During 2010, ATD Fourth World will organise, nationally and on a European level, gatherings of young people with personal experiences of poverty alongside others, to enable them to express their contributions Europe. They will publicly deliver these contributions, on a local, national and European level on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, 17 October 2010.
