Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
The 17th of October 2024 marked the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a global observance that underscores the urgent need to address poverty, inequality, and human rights violations. In Ireland, this day was commemorated through a powerful event hosted in the heart of Dublin, it was held at the Human Rights and Poverty Stone—a landmark that represents Ireland’s commitment to standing in solidarity with those affected by poverty.
This year’s theme was “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Together Towards Inclusion and Equality” This theme emphasized two key aspects: the importance of breaking down the societal, economic, and cultural barriers that perpetuate poverty and tackling the challenges posed by inequality, discrimination, and systemic exclusion. And building bridges toward a more inclusive, equal society, by bringing together different sectors of society—children, community activists, politicians, and those most affected by poverty—fostering unity and collective action.
This day was especially important because it served as a reminder that poverty is not just about lack of resources but also about exclusion, discrimination, and the violation of human rights. The event brought together a diverse group of people, from policymakers, community leaders and children to activists and those with lived experience of poverty, to engage in meaningful dialogue and collective action. It was structured to reflect this diversity of voices united in this fight towards eradication of poverty.
A day for testimonies, musical performances and artistic pieces
Professor Lorraine Leeson, Associate Vice Provost for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Trinity College Dublin, opened the event framing the day as a crucial moment for reflection and action. She spoke about the importance of inclusivity in creating policies that genuinely support marginalized communities. Drawing from her personal experiences, she pointed out how essential community support has been in her life.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan, addressed the audience, underscoring the city’s commitment to eradicating poverty. He highlighted Dublin’s role as a hub for social innovation and community activism and the significance of collective action in addressing systemic inequalities. He recognized “at a human level I’m very conscious of the vast amount of wealth that we have in this country and how important it is for the those governing to ensure that the distribution of wealth is just”.
After this, the message of the Human Rights and Poverty Stone was read aloud by three members of the community, serving as symbolic reminder of the historical struggle and ongoing commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring dignity for those affected by poverty.
The reading of the President’s Message added a national perspective to the day, reaffirming Ireland’s dedication to poverty eradication. Following the theme of the year, he shared the importance of building bridges “We must build bridges too, in the crafting of a society where all participants can have their voice heard, involve efforts to support diversity and inclusion at all levels of society, to develop structures that are fundamental and essential to peaceful, inclusive society”.
Joe O’Brien, Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, delivered an address that focused on governmental efforts to support vulnerable communities. He assured that apart from the economic barriers to get out of poverty, there are also “barriers of perception and personal opinion”, because some people don’t believe that poverty is unfair.
One of the most impactful parts of the event was hearing directly from individuals and organizations who work with or have experienced poverty. This powerful segment started with Des, who shared his journey with Focus Ireland and spoke about his life battling homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges from a young age. “I had no home within; I had no sense of myself. Poverty for me was a state of mind, and the support I received helped me find the home within.” His story of resilience and the role that support networks and Focus Ireland played in recognizing and nurturing his talents through the arts was particularly inspiring.
Following, Senthil from Migrants Rights Centre Ireland highlighted the challenges migrants face in Ireland. One key issue raised was the high rate of the residence card creates a major barrier, especially for migrants already in vulnerable situations. “Every individual in Ireland deserves fair treatment and nobody should face an extortionate fee just for living here.”
A moving testimony from Irene involved with Young Mothers Network (YMN), a project of the Dominican Justice Office Ireland, detailed her experience of seeking asylum in Ireland and the economic, social, and emotional challenges of being forced to leave her family and children behind. She described how YMN became her family, providing vital support during her most difficult times. Now studying to become a nurse, her story demonstrates the importance of community in helping young mothers in vulnerable situations rebuild their lives.
The ATD Ireland testimony written by Community Activist Christina, consisted of a speech about the importance of adequate minimum income schemes. This was initially presented at the European Parliament on 25th October 2023 at Social Platform’s ‘Over the Poverty Line’ conference. The speech set out how social welfare in Ireland does not currently guarantee an income which meets the cost of living. This has numerous impacts, including being subject to socio- economic discrimination. It describes the importance of breaking the barriers created by poverty, in accessing childcare, healthcare and a just income. “Some people can’t afford the basic hygiene things because of the cost of living. People that live on social welfare cannot really afford much of a social life”
Shane from the Matt Talbot Community Trust delivered a heartfelt testimony about his journey from addiction to recovery. He shared how addiction isolated him from his loved ones. His journey of recovery involved returning to education, re-engaging with his family, and becoming an active part of his community. His testimony finalized with the importance of inclusion and empathy, urging people to not judge those facing homelessness or addiction because, as he said, “We are all on a journey.”
Pa from Pavee Point highlighted the impact of poverty and racism on Travellers and Roma “poverty is more than money- it’s also about limited access to education and other basic services, racism, discrimination and exclusion“.
Elizabeth from Exchange House Ireland, addressed the ongoing struggles, barriers, and societal and institutional prejudice that the Traveller community faces in accessing services and combating discrimination. As a symbol of resilience and empowerment, she shared how her work aims to create a more just and equitable society for her community. In her words, “We need to break down the barriers that keep us out and build spaces where we are included and respected for who we are.”
Sister Eilis Coe from Act to Prevent Trafficking Ireland delivered a powerful speech on the importance of dignity, respect, and protection for all people, especially victims of human trafficking and exploitation. She asked the audience to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as “it’s better to over-report than to do nothing.” Her message was clear: everyone can play a role in stopping trafficking by being proactive in recognizing and addressing potential situations of exploitation.
The international testimony from Palestine, written by Samah J. and read on her behalf, highlighted the escalating economic crisis following October 7th, particularly for Palestinians who relied on work in Israel. She stressed the need for long-term solutions: “We need sustainable projects that can stay here for the long run. Voluntary work and donations help, but they aren’t enough to create lasting change.” Samah also emphasized the importance of educating people about poverty, as many struggle with shame and lack the skills to improvise new ways of providing for their families.
All these testimonies were interspersed with artistic acts that enhanced the event’s message, such as the performance by the children from St Laurence O’Toole Boys and Girls Schools and a few songs from Mount Carmel Girls Secondary School. This was culminated with the ‘Common Gesture’, led by Martin, Maurice and Paul, which symbolized the strengthening of bridges in the pursuit of dignity, inclusion, and access to resources, and how building these connections helps break the chains of poverty. This was accompanied by a performance by musician Mohammad Syfkhan.
The 17th of October 2024 was not just a day of reflection but a call to action. It reminded everyone present that poverty eradication requires breaking down barriers of inequality, while building bridges of hope, solidarity, and understanding across all sectors of society. Each voice shared during the event, from the youngest participants to community activists, served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength needed to end poverty.
The 17th October Committee would like to everyone who came out and supported the day and took part in any form. A special thank you to those who shared testimonies on the lived experiences of poverty and injustice. Thank you to the Department of Social Protection for Funding this event.