Kathmandu, October 16:

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty tomorrow, has called on everyone to stand up against poverty by standing for women’s rights and access to reproductive health.

“Let us recognise that poverty is more than a lack of income. It is a lack of opportunity and choice. It is a lack of rights and resources, of social support, of voice and of power,” said the UNFPA in a statement today.

Pointing out that every government has promised to make efforts to end extreme poverty and hunger, it said, “Today, let us all stand up against poverty and urge governments to keep the promises they have made. The global fight against poverty requires the participation of everyone.” In a bid to break the cycle of poverty, the shared efforts should focus on sexual and reproductive health, eliminating gender inequalities and empowering women. Linking services for sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS, and ensuring universal access to both, will control further spread of the AIDS pandemic.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, World Food Day and Global Whiteband Day, “stand up events” were held in Biratnagar, Pokhara, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, Kathmandu including schools in Kathmandu. Likewise, Citizens’ Campaign for Democracy and Peace (CCDST) is hosting a signature campaign and commitment for poverty eradication, nondiscrimination, food sovereignty tomorrow.