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.