A/HRC/34/51/Add.2 international human rights instruments protecting the right to adequate housing. Contrary to international human rights law, a number of families have been evicted from their homes in Amadora municipality, or have had their homes demolished, and as a consequence were left homeless (see A/HRC/31/54). The Special Rapporteur heard testimonies from a number of individuals who were forced to live in a shelter, or to move in with friends or relatives, and feared street homelessness. The Special Rapporteur also learned that some people actually chose to sleep in cars or in other improvised solutions because of the importance of remaining in their neighbourhood and with their community. 44. In other parts of the municipality, households that have been standing for more than 30 years, which have contributed to community development (for example, by naming their own streets with hand-painted signs), continue to live in fear of eviction or demolition because they reside on land that the Municipality would like to develop owing to increasing value. Residents require, in accordance with international human rights law and standards, in situ security of tenure (see A/HRC/25/54). Officials from the Municipality of Amadora were unfortunately unable to receive the Special Rapporteur during her visit to the site. 2. Ilhas 45. Ilhas are a unique form of housing found only in Porto. Established in the nineteenth century for workers, these miniature homes, measuring on average 16 m3, house some of the poorest families in Porto. Hidden from view, the ilhas are located down narrow lane ways. There are 957 of these housing arrangements scattered throughout Porto. The vast majority are owned privately, and tenants pay rent to landlords who are often absent. 46. Living conditions in most ilhas are grossly inadequate, contrary to international human rights standards, and can only be described as heartbreaking. Although they can barely accommodate one person, most are occupied by families of three or four. Many have ad hoc sanitation facilities, sometimes outside of the actual home, or without doors for privacy or a place to wash. While most have electricity and running water, some are off the grid and have no electricity security, and constantly face the risk of blackout. Many of the homes have leaking roofs, are infested by rodents, and offer scant protection from elements. Several tenants with whom the Special Rapporteur met said that they had requested the landlord to make repairs to their units, but in vain. 47. One deep concern is the number of older people living in these homes, many with a disability or limited mobility, are completely isolated, and rarely able to leave, except for medical appointments. Another serious concern is that a number of residents, including single mothers, have been told that their children may be taken away by welfare authorities owing to their housing conditions, despite the fact that no alternative housing has been made available to them. Many tenants have little to no income beyond a small pension or a low social integration income (181 euros per month in 2016, though varying according to the household composition), and most have been on waiting lists for social housing for years. 48. The Special Rapporteur also visited ilhas that are currently being rehabilitated by the Municipality of Porto. While this programme is small (concerning just three ilhas), it is a positive development that, if properly financed, could be a solution for many more residents. 3. Homelessness 49. Homelessness is a gross violation of the right to adequate housing under international human rights law and, as such, must be addressed as an immediate priority (see A/HRC/31/54). All stakeholders, including the Government, agree that the overall number of homeless individuals is unknown. Estimates vary widely from 4,000 to 50,000, 11