‘Let us unite to combat poverty’- IIMSAM Official Dr. Naseer Homoud

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 16, 2010 --

Observing the International Day for Eradication of Poverty Dr. Naseer Homoud, Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council has called for actions against poverty, requesting people to stand up and take action. He urged people to join hands to counter the menace of poverty wherever it exists. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a call to everyone, from policy makers to the public, to recognize the rights and dignity of people living in poverty, he urged.

Dr. Homoud urged that poverty and inequality often worsen abuse, neglect and discrimination, denying millions the enjoyment of their civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, and ultimately, their right to development. He said that our efforts to fight poverty and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals must be firmly grounded in the universal values and principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and international human rights instruments. He further stressed on fact that sustainable development is only possible through complete eradication of extreme poverty. He indicated for economic growth and investment in social development while respecting the environment. “I take this opportunity to call on the governments and stakeholders for a comprehensive international partnership on the issues of global warming, eradication of poverty and hunger and for strengthening food production and food security policies”. He added. He further urged that delivery of commitments should be ensured by states. IIMSAM supports and inspires people from around the world to take action in support of the Millennium Development Goals. We urge all to join the fight for ending poverty and let me assure that every individual on this earth can make substantial and concrete contribution with his sincere and honest efforts, said Dr. Homoud.

“I believe that that the vicious cycle of poverty and human rights abuse could only be broken if people living in poverty were able to speak out and be heard. I call on all states to recognize the right to participation of marginalized people in mainstream”, said Dr. Homoud. He urged that targets of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) No. 1 to reduce the proportion of people who suffer from hunger by half between 1990 and 2015 could be only redeemed by serious planning and concrete actions. He stressed that MDGs report has revealed that progress towards the goals was now endangered by lethargic economic growth, diminished resources, and anticipated reductions in aid flows from donor nations amid global financial crunch. At the same time, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, with a potentially devastating impact on countries, rich and poor. “We believe that the right policies and actions, backed by strong political commitments on delivery of promises together with support of adequate funding could yield positive results”, added Dr. Homoud.

According to a report one third of deaths which is around 18 million people a year or 50,000 per day are due to poverty-related causes. Every year more than 10 million children die of hunger and preventable diseases and that is over 30,000 per day and one every 3 seconds. Poverty is a human rights violation and every child, youth, man and women has the human right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, to food, clothing, housing, medical care and social services, said Dr. Homoud.

It is an irony that in present world of plenty extreme poverty is a grim reality, affecting around a quarter per cent of the world population. While extreme income poverty –- defined by a dollar-per-day threshold -- has been declining in East Asia and the Pacific, scant progress has been made in all other regions. Some million people live in absolute poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. As outlined in the Millennium Development Goals which represent a pact, not just among Governments, but also among all development stakeholders each actor, therefore, must focus on the best use of its assets, acting efficiently, effectively and collectively to fulfill a specific role. “Stakeholders must seriously think over the challenges being faced and draw a line to work effectively by providing all needed assistance to the United Nations”, said Dr. Homoud.