On 17th October 1987 over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocad?ro in Paris where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948 to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. Subsequently in 1992 the United Nations General Assembly declared October 17 as the International Day for the eradication of poverty. Since 1993 the Day has been observed as such around the World by people of all background, beliefs and social origins to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty, to renew their commitments and show their solidarity with the poor.
Considerable efforts have been undertaken by the International Community to fight against extreme poverty. Thus at the Millennium Summit, world leaders committed themselves to cutting in half, by the year 2015, the proportion of people living in extreme poverty, on less than $1.25 a day. Though important gains have been achieved, several critical gaps remain, necessitating continuous efforts to keep people aware of the issue. Unfortunately Africa continues to be riddled with corruption while the people are still mired in abject poverty.
It is sad to note the lack of African solutions to our numerous problems, everything coming from outside which are not necessary in tune with our realities. The time is now for Africans to do introspection in order to identify the root causes of their current predicaments and stop to be totally dependent from outside assistance. The current African situation, characterized by the existence of a multitude of weak states emanating from 1884 Berlin Conference, which viabilities are highly questionable as recent events in Somalia, Mali, Central African Republic etc. demonstrate, is a stumbling block for the development of the continent.
The All Africa Students Union (AASU) believes that Africa?s numerous problems will find their solutions within the framework of bigger economic, social and cultural integrated environment. Therefore AASU is calling, once again, for a rapid integration of our continent by allowing immediately the free movement of people and goods. Africa can effectively face its challenges when it speaks with one voice, put its resources together and fight corruption, nepotism and dictatorship; promote peace and solidarity.
On the occasion of the International Day against Poverty, we call for a more just international economic relation and would like to express our solidarity with the poor around the world particularly the majority downtrodden Africans.
