The global economic crisis has claimed at least 50 million jobs this year

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sent a message to the world countries on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, UN Office in Baku told APA.

“According to recent estimates, the global economic crisis has claimed at least 50 million jobs this year. As many as 100 million more people are expected to fall below the poverty line in 2009. Climate change further compounds the problem. The theme of this year’s observance, “Children and Families Speak Out Against Poverty”, coincides with the twentieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We recognize that investing in children and securing their rights is one of the surest ways to ending poverty”.

The Secretary General said common sense investments to meet the Millennium Development Goals can make a profound difference. “In areas where global investments have been scaled up – such as AIDS, TB, malaria and vaccine-preventable diseases – we are seeing heartening progress. There has also been notable success in reducing under-five mortality. We are at a critical juncture in the fight against poverty. Now is the time to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and ensure that the world follows up on its pledges. With the right investments and concrete action, we can build upon the gains, fulfill our commitments, and ensure that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to make the most of their potential”.

APA