underen

The “Plataforma Artigo 65 Habitação Para Tod@s” was created from the process of resistance to the demolitions of houses that several local authorities unleashed with special violence, and they did not provide any alternative  re-accommodation to the inhabitants in the period that preceded the non-governmental elections of 2005. The initial support of activists who gathered the collective action of residents of several districts of Lisbon’s periphery made the denunciation of these cases in meetings of non-governmental organizations, through demonstrations on the streets, and of straight opposition to the advancement of the retro-excavators in several districts, bringing the struggle of the populations to the public square. With the commitement of different entities, like professional orders, associations that deal with the questions of immigration, anti-racism and the built inheritance as well as the residents commissions of several districts, the Platform Article 65 appeared in March 2006  and takes the name of  the Republic Portuguese constitution article, which gives to each citizen the right to a deserved dwelling. Since then, this net of associations, entities and citizens has been developping countless actions of public awareness for the serious problem of the housing lack  in Portugal and of the defense of the Right to housing;  it has been involved in activities such as itinerant exhibitions, visit poor neighbourhoods, concerts, discussions, scientific journeys, cycles of documentary cinema or participations in artistic projects.