Poverty means discrimination, obstacles, and exclusion in satisfying the basic necessities of life; in the use and development of an individual’s physical and human potential, capacities, and creativity; in seizing the opportunities and choices for fashioning a fulfilling and dignified life; in the realisation of one’s aspirations; from participating in the formulation and decision-making stages of the social, political, and economic transformation processes.
Wellbeing implies being able to ensure one’s own subsistence in dignified conditions, with the ability to ensure one’s livelihood thanks to one’s own work; being an equal-footed and responsible member in the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of society; having equal access to resources, information, services, institutions, and decision-making structures; being protected from violence and arbitrariness; being able to count on assistance, security nets, and solidarity in the event of crises and disasters; enjoying a positive outlook towards the future for oneself and for the coming generations.
Creating the Prospect of Living a Life in Dignity: Principles guiding the SDC in its commitment to fighting poverty
Barbara del Pozo, SDC, 2004
The most recent SDC guidelines setting the framework for the agency’s approach to fighting poverty were published in 2004. They remain pertinent to this day.
Creating the Prospect of Living a Life in Dignity (PDF, 205 KB)