貧窮 是甚麼? Fundamentally,poverty is a denial of choices ( 選擇 ) and opportunities ( 機會 ), a violation of human dignity ( 尊嚴 ). It means lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society ( 參與社會 ). (UN , Statement of Commitment for Action to Eradicate Poverty , June 1998 – signed by the heads of all UN agencies)