Our flexible and human approach to tackle the roots of poverty

Poverty is first and foremost a serious violation of an economic human right, but human dignity has a lot to do with it. We must take account of a myriad of social, psychological, cultural and political aspects. All human rights are affected by poverty. The poor suffer from hunger and often thirst, diseases, insecurity, bad housing, poor hygiene, from illiteracy and from a lack of respect. Daily assaults on our dignity affect our mind, chronic deprivation wears us out and prevents us to assume basic responsibilities. When extreme poverty is prolonged it severely compromises our chances of fighting our way out. Therefore the marginalised must be empowered, free to determine their own fate, to shape their own form of economic dynamism, with the cultural dignity of their own choice, rather than one imposed on them.

Inclusion puts first things first: real help in emergencies starts with material support, not with words, of course. But basic provisions alone don't solve the problem. Poverty is complex, there is almost always an element of exploitation. Some situations are so grim that nothing else can be done for the time being; this is true for most wars and armed conflicts. Often, however, a thoughtful analysis based on a genuine understanding of the difficulties the poor face, will lead to alternatives and possibilities. Yet each case is different. Some opportunities call for energetic action; some for friendliness; sometimes we have to fight for our right; often an attitude of acceptance and negotiation is needed to pacify otherwise uncontrollable conflicts. No single rigid approach will do in all circumstances.

Sharing experiences and learning from each other, we have the best chance to find adaptive solutions to tackle the multidimensional roots of poverty. People and organisations with experience in poverty eradication may give sound advise, and their cooperation is invaluable.

That is the reason why Inclusion moves beyond simple distribution, and actively promotes voluntary contact between recipients, micropartners and other participants. Because humans have the flexibility and intuition that bureaucracies lack. Whereas a transparent method is best suited to material support, Inclusion also provides a channel for direct personal participation in all aspects of poverty eradication. Of course, no one has everything, time and resources and social intuition and other skills. We don't have to, because each person may contribute what he or she is good at: time and energy, a small part of his income, knowledge, special skills, occasionally a contact from his network, sometimes being able to speak the language or simply being at the right place. This co-operation of talents focused on a joint practical goal can tip the balance.