Today marks the 25th anniversary of the declaration by the General Assembly, in its resolution 47/196 of 22 December 1992, of 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The theme for this year is "Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity". The theme reminds us of the importance of the values of dignity, solidarity and voice underscored in the Call to Action to fight to end poverty everywhere. These values are also evident in the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development which sets poverty eradication as the overarching objective and obligated all countries to end poverty in all forms, through strategies that guarantee the fulfillment of all human rights and ensure no one is left behind.

Namibia has made great strides in eradicating poverty and has managed to decreased poverty over the last decade (2008-2018) from 28% to 17.4%.

This can be attributed to key policies and strategies adopted in Namibia. Such policies include the adoption of the Blue Print on Wealth Redistribution and Poverty Eradication. Grants from the Namibian Government such as the Social Grant, Pension Grant, Disability Grant, Veterans Grant, and Orphans & Vulnerable Children Grant have been made available to the disadvantaged people.

In addition, the creation of the Ministry of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare has contributed immensely to the decrease of the poverty rates.

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