2010 - European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

The European Commission has designated 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. This marks the tenth anniversary of the Lisbon Strategy (2000), which set out to ‘make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty’. It re-affirms and strengthens the initial political commitment of the EU at the start of the Strategy.
 
The Social Inclusion Division in the Department of Social and Family Affairs is the National Implementing Body for the year. There are four main objectives at the heart of the European Year:
 
•     Recognising the right of people in poverty and social exclusion to live in dignity and to play a full part in society
•     Increasing public ownership of social inclusion policies and emphasising everyone’s responsibility in tackling poverty and marginalisation
•     Creating a more cohesive society, where no one doubts that society, as a whole, benefits from the eradication of poverty
•     Generating commitment among all sectors of society. Real progress requires a long-term effort and the involvement of all levels of governance.
The actions envisaged for the year across all EU countries are as follows:
•     Encourage involvement and political commitment from each and every segment of society to participate in the work against poverty and social exclusion, from the European to the local level, whether public or private.
•     Inspire European citizens to participate and work against poverty and social exclusion.
•     Give ‘voice’ to the concerns and needs of people experiencing poverty and social exclusion.
•     Engage with civil society and non-governmental organisations working against poverty and social exclusion.
•     Challenge stereotypes on poverty and social exclusion.
•     Promote a society that sustains and develops quality of life, social well-being and equal opportunities for all.
•     Boost solidarity between generations and ensure sustainable development.
 
A number of events will be taking place across Ireland in support of the year and you can find more information about them here.