International Movement ATD Fourth World

The Movement ATD Fourth World (English International Movement ATD Fourth World) is an international non -governmental organization for human rights, committed to peace and the recognition of the dignity of every human being.

Matter of concern

ATD Fourth World was founded in 1957 as a self -help organization in the homeless camp of Noisy- le- Grand in Paris. Its founder, Father Joseph Wresinski was, himself grew up in abject poverty. He wanted that the excluded families and communities bring their experience to the company and can help shape as equal partners and partners.

Organization

ATD Fourth World is politically and denominationally neutral and has consultative status with ECOSOC, UNESCO, UNICEF, International Labour Organization and EUR Europe. It is active in 29 countries on all continents. The headquarters is located in Pierrelaye / France, the office of Germany in Munich, the Swiss Center in Treyvaux.

Operation

ATD English means " All Together for Dignity " (common to human dignity ), French Aide à toute détresse (help in every need ). Both formulas express the same thought: in order to guarantee the dignity of all people, must repeatedly during poorest, are stated at the most excluded.

In order to overcome poverty and exclusion, ATD builds Fourth World on the personal commitment of people: adults, adolescents and children who defend themselves as directly affected, allies, who represent the concerns in their personal sphere of influence, and full-time employees from all professional sectors.

Together, these members develop projects in the field of education and culture. They promote dialogue with each other and with society. One example is the " people's universities Fourth World ". in different European countries. Here affected by poverty and other people share experiences, learn from each other and listen to thematize aspects of life such as work, culture, education or health. They practice the dialogue and also prepare opinions.

Effect

Through its research institute, the Movement ATD Fourth World has contributed since the sixties significantly to awareness of the ongoing poverty in rich countries. It has the international community for the relationship between poverty and human rights awareness, which led to the adoption of appropriate guidelines by the UN General Assembly in autumn 2012. Leading the way here was the Wresinski report of the French Economic and Social Council with its definition: "Economic and social insecurity [ ... ] then leads to severe poverty when touched several ranges of existence, if it persists over a longer period if it affects the possibilities to take on their own in the near future its responsibilities again and reacquire his rights. " On the initiative of ATD Fourth World October 17 is celebrated as World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty since 1987.