The United Nations declared October 17th the “World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty” in 1992 and this Commemorative Stone was gifted for the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, on 17 October 1996. Father Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World, has said, “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.”

The Commemorative Stone has become a gathering point for people from all walks of life. They gather to bear witness to the poorest people in the world and to make a personal commitment to join forces with them in abolishing poverty and social exclusion. This stone has been replicated in public places in many countries including Belgium, Burkina Faso, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Philippines, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United States of America. 

This work is composed of 24 plaques of engraved Hauteville French marble, one half-size marble plaque, and a block of black engraved graphite. A black rough-slate walkway borders the commemorative stone.

The Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations and the International Movement ATD Fourth World dedicated the gift in honor of victims of extreme poverty on 17 Oct 1996. Susan Devins, Director at The International Movement ATD Fourth World, mentioned in the event invitation, “The stone bears witness to all those we love who have suffered from, and sometimes lost their lives to, the harshness of a daily life deformed by hunger and disease, ignorance and violence.”