“The IAC calls upon relevant authorities to ensure urgent provision of dignified housing in light of reports concerning families lacking immediate housing alternatives,” stated an institution’s communiqué.
The IAC expressed concern, noting that “situations involving forceful removal of children and families from their homes without prior dignified rehousing solutions raise serious issues regarding fundamental rights and the paramount interest of the child,” as established in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Portugal.
The IAC emphasized, “The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Child recognize the right to housing as essential for the healthy development and well-being of all children, obligating the State and municipalities to prevent situations of neglect, exclusion, or risk.”
Referring to demolitions in Loures, the IAC argued, “These situations are disgraceful and directly affect the well-being, safety, and development opportunities of these children, which is unacceptable,” underlining that “the paramount interest of the child must always be a priority in any decision or intervention.”
The Loures municipality began demolishing 64 shanties, housing 161 people, at the Bairro do Talude Militar on Monday.
The municipality reported that 51 structures were destroyed on the first day, and demolitions continued early today.
The Loures City Council later halted operations to review a Monday night directive from the Lisbon Administrative Court, which prohibited further demolitions in the Bairro do Talude Militar.
The court’s decision followed a precautionary measure filed by an attorney representing 14 neighborhood residents.
Displaced families slept in tents and a church on Monday, according to Vida Justa, a platform advocating for local neighborhoods.
Today, the Loures municipality advised families to visit social services at Casa da Cultura, Sacavém, for assistance. It announced that one family was directed to a shelter and two others to a hotel.
A municipal source indicated that “housing alternatives in the rental market were offered, with potential financial support for deposits and first rent.”
Vida Justa labeled this “non-support,” arguing that residents cannot access the housing market.
The Instituto de Apoio à Criança called for “rigorous technical and social evaluation” of cases and “integrated solutions in collaboration with public services and civil society organizations.”
Illegal structures in the former Bairro de Santa Filomena, Amadora, were also demolished.
