According to the World Bank, in 2001, close to 3 billion people, or half the world’s population, were living in poverty. Within that, about 1 billion, or 1 out of every 6,were living in extreme poverty. The World Bank defines “extreme poverty” as existing on less than $1 per day. People who live in extreme poverty are not able to afford even the basic necessities for survival, such as food and shelter.

As they say on their website:

Nobel Laureate José Ramos-Horta on Poverty

“Extreme poverty is an affront to all. It should shame us that governments can readily allocate billions of dollars to fight wars and yet refuse to spend modest sums to fight poverty. As a human being I am ashamed.”

“Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is not having access to school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future, living one day at a time. Poverty is losing a child to illness brought about by unclean water. Poverty is powerlessness, lack of representation and freedom.”

Poverty is a cause of instability and violence throughout the world. It leads people to seek violent solutions to social problems and fosters hatred. It holds back all of society from the full development of our potential. Allowing poverty to continue requires that we ignore the suffering of our fellow human beings.

What are the causes of poverty? That is a question under much debate. However, the elimination of at least extreme to poverty is within our reach. It requires a united effort by governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals. Development projects, investment, education, and direct aid are all part of the solution.

The elimination of extreme poverty is a possibility in our lifetimes, and so, we must all work toward that goal.