The Permanence Observatory (PO) is a global research initiative dedicated to protecting communities living in informal settlements worldwide from unlawful eviction and displacement. Our mission is to provide scientific, irrefutable evidence of communities' territorial occupations over time, granting them the legal protection they deserve. By documenting their longstanding presence in these areas, we help communities present their "right to the city" cases to relevant authorities.
Our team includes experts in remote sensing technology, field documentation, urban planning, legal advocacy, and human rights. We employ a range of advanced tools, including satellite imagery, geospatial data, and on-the-ground testimonies, to create comprehensive documentation that is crucial in defending communities against forced evictions.
We are an interdisciplinary organization that works at the intersection of technology, law, and human rights. Our efforts ensure that the rights of informal settlement residents are upheld, and we continue to innovate in our methods to support communities in need.
Since 2024, PO has supported the development of similar agencies and practices worldwide. Our network of practitioners is both global and growing, working together to defend the rights of marginalized communities.
