Nelson Mandela Quote

Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.

Speech for the "Make Poverty History" campaign. Trafalgar Square, London (3 February 2005).

In full: Mandela's poverty speech