Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Moore, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) that the United Nations declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty,

  (ii) that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and

  (iii) the fundamental connection between extreme poverty and human rights, and that those living in poverty are disproportionately affected by rights violations;

(b) further notes:

  (i) the global commitment in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 1 to end poverty in all its forms everywhere, and to recognise the dignity of the individual in the principle of leaving no one behind, and

  (ii) that despite global poverty rates halving since 2000, one in ten people are still living below the international poverty line of US$1 a day; and

(c) acknowledges:

  (i) that poverty is more than the lack of income and resources, its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion,

  (ii) the struggle of people living in poverty, hears their concerns and recognises that poor people are at the forefront of the fight against inequality, and

  (iii) that building a sustainable future requires us to intensify our efforts towards ensuring that everyone can exercise their human rights and to fulfil the needs and aspirations of everyone—not just the privileged few in this generation and those to come.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government recognises the fundamental importance of addressing poverty. It is embedded in the purpose of our aid program to promote Australia's national interests by contributing to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. We recognise the strong link between human rights and poverty. Where human rights are not respected, there can be marginalisation and discrimination against people and populations. This is manifested in an inability to access fundamental necessities such as health, education and security of livelihoods. Deep and entrenched poverty is the result.

Question agreed to.