Holy See diplomat emphasizes inclusion of poor in devising anti-poverty programs

April 25, 2013

The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations has told a UN working group that the poor should be included in designing anti-poverty programs.

“The eradication of poverty must be understood first in the context of the equality in dignity of each and every human person,” said Archbishop Francis Chullikatt. “Further, poverty eradication should be guided by the principles of natural law.”

“People--particularly the poor and those on the margins of society, who are most directly affected and should benefit most--must be given a voice in [the] planning and implementation” of anti-poverty programs, he added. “This model of inclusion constitutes a truly human-centered bottom-up approach to poverty eradication and will help to ensure that sustainable development goals become a model for fostering partnerships which capitalize on the vast experience and wisdom of those who daily face the harsh realities and challenges of poverty with courage and forbearance.”

 

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Further information:

• Statement of Permanent Observer to the UN on poverty eradication (Vatican Radio)