Relevant legislation and other important documents
Decree no. 7.053 of 23 December 2009.
Link : https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2007-2010/2009/decreto/d7053.htm
Establishes the National Policy for Homeless People and its Intersectoral Follow-up and Monitoring Committee (CIAMP), and makes other provisions.
In Brazil, the legal definition of homeless population is mainly established by this decree.
According to Article 1 of this decree, this population is defined as a heterogeneous population group which shares the following characteristics:
- Extreme poverty.
- Interrupted or weakened family ties.
- Lack of regular conventional housing.
- Use of public places (streets, squares, etc.) and degraded areas as a place to live and make a living, either temporarily or permanently.
- Use of reception units for temporary overnight stays or temporary housing.
Law 14.821 of 16 January 2024
Link: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2023-2026/2024/lei/L14821.htm
Establishes the National Policy for Decent Work and Citizenship for the Homeless (PNTC PopRua).
The Plan reflects the political and human commitment to implement the National Policy for the Homeless Population.
ADPF 976 - STF
Link: https://redir.stf.jus.br/paginadorpub/paginador.jsp?docTP=TP&docID=770954718
As a result of this court decision, all federal entities now have responsibilities related to National Policy for Homeless People, regardless of the formalisation of an adhesion agreement.
Law no. 15.187/2025
Signed into law on 4 August 2025, it officially established the National Day of Struggle for Homeless People, celebrated on 19 August.
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the LIX World Communications Day
In his message for the 59th World Communications Day, celebrated on 1 June, Pope Francis called on journalists and communicators to promote communication that is disarming, empathetic and based on hope. He denounced media manipulation, polarisation and digital dispersion, and proposed a new communication model based on gentleness, respect and commitment to the common good. Inspired by the Jubilee, the Pope draws attention to the transforming power of hope and the power of words to heal, bring people together and build communion.