Every year on December 19, the world community celebrates International Day for the Poor. International Day to Assist the Poor).
The United Nations views poverty as a «state of prolonged forced lack of necessary resources to ensure a satisfactory lifestyle».
According to international experts, at the end of the 20th century, about a quarter of the entire population of the planet, that is, one and a half billion people, eke out a miserable existence. Currently, according to the UN, 736 million people live below the poverty line, that is, on $1.90. US per day, and by 2030, 7% of the world's population, or 575 million. people may find themselves in extreme poverty.
And studies have also shown that more than 300 million people died from poverty between 1999 and 2007. It is worth noting that even two world wars in total did not claim so many lives.
In this regard, the UN has adopted several programs aimed at eradicating poverty. The first poverty eradication programs began in early 2000, but so far the number of people living below the poverty line has not decreased.
Although the world economy is growing rapidly today and more people boast a high standard of living, poverty remains a key problem for humanity. After all, poverty means not only a lack of money, but also a lack of decent work, comfortable housing, access to good education and health care.
In many countries around the world, assistance to the poor, along with government and international programs, is traditionally provided by various religious and charitable public organizations, as well as private patrons.
Let us recall that October 17 is also celebrated annually as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.