Intensification of, and responses to, housing struggles in Brazil under the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted historically vulnerable populations in Brazil such as the unhoused and those living in tenements and quilombolas, and in particular black, brown and indigenous peoples. This has intensified issues of unemployment, indebtedness, precarious work and hunger among Brazilians who already faced various forms of violence. Yet important efforts have emerged to confront these conditions, such as the Zero Evictions Campaign launched in July 2020 by social movements and national entities with international support. It has demanded the suspension of any activity or violation of rights, even if supported by a judicial or administrative decision, that aim to evacuate families and communities.