In the early 21st century, poverty, impoverishment and inequalities are increasing across the European
continent. These phenomena not only weaken the social cohesion of European societies, they also violate
human rights, including social and civil and political rights, and question the functioning of democracy. How
can people living in poverty make their voices heard in polarised societies, where more than 40 % of assets
and 25 % of revenues are held by 10 % of the population?
This guide is the result of two years of collective discussion held within the framework of the project "The
human rights of people experiencing poverty". It was prepared with the assistance of many individuals and
organisations, including people living in poverty, researchers, associations and representatives of public
authorities. As well as offering a critique of the current situation, analysing inequality and poverty through
the prism of human rights, democracy and redistributive policies, the guide also invites the reader to explore
the possibilities of a renewed strategy to fight poverty in order to restore a sense of social justice. It makes
proposals that aim to overcome the stigmatisation and categorisation of people, opening pathways of
learning to build well-being through sharing, avoiding waste and by enhancing public awareness around
the principle of human dignity as a human right for all.