Court orders the City of Nova Iorque to provide accommodation for the Guardianship Council
A Brazilian court has mandated that the municipality of Nova Iorque must secure an appropriate property for the functioning of the local Guardianship Council within five days.
On Monday, a court in Brazil ordered the municipality of Nova Iorque to find a suitable property for the Guardianship Council, following a request from the Maranhão Public Ministry. The property in question was deemed unfit for use after an inspection by the Fire Department in April 2025, which uncovered structural issues and significant biological, fire, and electrocution hazards. The ruling established a daily fine of R$ 2,000 for non-compliance, capped at R$ 50,000, which will be redirected to the Municipal Fund for the Rights of Children and Adolescents.
The court stipulated minimum requirements for the new property, ensuring it offers adequate facilities for the Guardianship Council's operations. These include reception areas for meetings and work, five workstations for counselors, restrooms with one adapted for individuals with disabilities, a kitchen area, and essential fire safety measures. This ruling underscores the government's responsibility to provide safe spaces for institutions that protect children's rights.
The decision is particularly significant as it reflects ongoing efforts by the judiciary and the Public Ministry to advocate for better infrastructure and services for vulnerable populations, especially children and adolescents. Ensuring that the Guardianship Council has a functional and safe workspace is vital for its ability to effectively carry out its duties in safeguarding the rights of minors within the community.