EXTREME POVERTY OFFENDS MOST BASIC VALUES OF UNITED NATIONS CHARTER, SECRETARY-GENERAL TELLS DIALOGUE ON POVERTY
Press Release
SG/SM/6009
EXTREME POVERTY OFFENDS MOST BASIC VALUES OF UNITED NATIONS CHARTER, SECRETARY-GENERAL TELLS DIALOGUE ON POVERTY
19960624 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Following is the text of the statement, translated from French, to be delivered by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on the occasion of the Dialogue on Poverty, to take place at Geneva on 25 June:First of all, let me welcome you to the United Nations. You are here at home. I don't want you to see the United Nations as only a solemn forum where heads of State and diplomats meet to manage global affairs, but also as a gathering place for all peoples.
The United Nations must be an open, living forum where everyone's voice can be heard. It must give those who all too often remain silent and overlooked a chance to speak. It must listen to the anguish, pain and suffering of the world. It must also give renewed hope to all those whose lives are marked by misfortune and hardship.
That is how I see our meeting and the dialogue we are going to initiate. For me, such a dialogue is essential, and I want to thank all those who helped make it possible.
I thank the canton and republic of Geneva for its generous assistance. I also thank the International Movement ATD Fourth World for its commitment to serving the world's neediest people. Lastly, I thank all of you for coming here, many of you from very far away, to take part in this meeting.
I want to tell you, in the strongest possible terms, that your struggle is also our struggle. Extreme poverty offends the most basic values of the Charter of the United Nations.
It is inadmissible that at this point in time, 1.3 billion people are living in absolute poverty. It is unacceptable that 1.5 billion people have no access to the most elementary health care. And we know that women are the prime victims of poverty, for they account for over 70 per cent of the underprivileged of this earth.
Such a situation is intolerable.
Poverty is an intolerable violation of the rights of the human person. It also flies in the face of our idea of development. Combating it, therefore, requires the urgent mobilization of the entire international community.
When the Charter of the United Nations was signed 50 years ago, one of its stated aims was to "promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom".
It was in this spirit that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted. This is also what prompted the signing of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
It is these basic texts that must constantly guide our actions. It is in their name that now, more than ever, we have a compelling obligation to tackle the misery that exists in the world.
For international law is not a set of abstract documents applicable only among States. It must be applied to the daily lives of every man and woman in order to enhance their political, economic and social status.
I want you to hear this message so that you will understand that the laws drafted by the international community are addressed to you, first and foremost.
But I also want to tell you that we shall be able to build a more just and equitable society only if you are given the means to also share in this undertaking.
You have a right to be heard. The international community has a duty to learn about the expectations of those who confront misery on a daily basis. We must, above all, listen to you.
That is why I see our dialogue here today as an essential stage in the preparation and implementation of the Decade for the Eradication of Poverty proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Poverty is also a permanent challenge to international society.
Together, we need to build a more just, equitable and humane world. Together, we need to promote progress and social development.
A year ago, at Copenhagen, the United Nations sought to mobilize all members of the international community to combat poverty and promote the social integration of the neediest members of society. You can count on me to
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do my utmost to ensure the follow-up to the Social Summit, for the momentum of Copenhagen must not be lost.
But in this long and arduous task, I also need you. I need your determination. I want to hear your aspirations. I want to draw strength from your courage.
A genuine dialogue is already being established between us, and your presence in Geneva is a powerful encouragement to me to pursue my mission, in order to combat injustice, underdevelopment and anything that undermines the dignity and well-being of the human person.
I have reiterated on numerous occasions that the United Nations must be the Organization of all the "peoples of the United Nations". It must welcome not only States, but also the non-governmental organizations, associations, private institutions and men and women that are striving for greater human solidarity.
So, it is for you that the United Nations exists. It is for you that it fights daily, throughout the world, to ward off violence, inequality and poverty.
We are here today, above all, to reach out a hand to you and to initiate a frank, direct dialogue with you. To tell you that you are not alone, that the United Nations is mindful of you and that it is determined to work with you for a world in which there is greater generosity, justice and solidarity.
It is more than 15 years now since Father Joseph Wresinski forged the first links between the International Movement ATD Fourth World and the United Nations. You have managed to remain true to his message and you can be proud of continuing his action.
As for myself, I want to assure you that you will always find me at your side, ready to support your aspirations and remind the international community of its commitments.
We have a long struggle and a hard road ahead of us, but we know that we must forge ahead together, in the name of human dignity and to give hope to future generations.
Thank you very much for coming here. Think of me, henceforth, as your friend and the United Nations as your home.
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