Joseph Wresinski

Born to immigrant parents, Wresinski grew up in poverty and experienced social exclusion.

He established major landmarks throughout his life in the fight against the worst forms of poverty, in collaboration with the very poor themselves and other partners.

This report paved the way for substantial work undertaken by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, the European Union, and the Council of Europe.

Wresinski launched the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October), later recognised by the United Nations General Assembly.

Initial text of this article was excerpted from Redefining Human Rights-Based Development : The Wresinski Approach to Partnership With the Poorest UN Document ESA/DSPD/BP3 December 1999 Division for Social Policy and Development Department of Economic and Social Affairs UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK