LUSAKA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty here Wednesday with a call by a local advocacy body for increased action to tackle poverty.
The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction said it was regrettable that 54 years after independence, the gap between the rich and the poor in Zambia was widening while poverty has remained one of the biggest challenges facing the country.
Isaac Ngoma, the chairperson of the organization said it was unacceptable that over 40 percent of the country's population was still living in absolute poverty, with women and children being the most affected.
"As we commemorate this year's day for the eradication of poverty, we call for more action towards empowering and upholding the rights of the poor," he said.
This year's theme is "Coming Together With Those Furthest Behind to Build an Inclusive World of Universal Respect for Human Rights and Dignity".
The official said the theme calls for more practical action in overcoming the country's socio-economic challenges and enhancing interventions that will move citizens out of poverty and allow them to enjoy their rights and live a life of dignity.
