Bulgaria: The “Doctors of the World” association, together with the European Anti-Poverty Network – Bulgaria, has been organising a conference on the occasion of the International Day to eradicate poverty with the support of the France Embassy in Bulgaria, on October 17, 2022, Monday, from 9:30 am at the French Institute in Bulgaria (Sofia, Slaveykov Square #3).
The 30th anniversary of the day’s observance worldwide takes place under the motto “Dignity for all in practice”. Human dignity is not only a fundamental right in itself but also underlies all other rights. Inequality of opportunity, including access to key care, and gender inequality persists, while income inequality is rising sharply, and the gap between the rich and the poor widens yearly.
However, poverty and inequality are not inevitable. It is the result of deliberate decisions or inaction that disenfranchises the poorest and most marginalised in society and violates their fundamental rights. The silent and persistent violence of poverty – social exclusion, structural discrimination and disempowerment – makes it difficult for people to escape the trap of poverty.
Poverty is not only an economic problem but a multidimensional phenomenon that includes the Lack of both income and basic opportunities for a decent life, reinforcing a number of deprivations:
▪ Dangerous working conditions
▪ Uninhabitable dwellings
▪ Lack of nutritious food
▪ Unequal access to justice
▪ Lack of political power
▪ Limited access to healthcare
Data from Eurostat show that in Bulgaria, 31.7% of the population, or 2,193,000 people, live at risk of poverty and social exclusion, second in the EU. Every third child is affected.
Our country also demonstrates the highest levels of income inequality in the EU, with the difference between the poor and the rich in our country as much as 7.45 times. 23.7% of households cannot keep their home warm enough – the highest percentage in the entire EU. 10.2% of children live in dwellings without a bathroom, second only to Romania. 37.9% of the population lives in overcrowded housing.
Bulgarian and foreign experts will participate in the conference and share their experiences and recommendations.