A groundbreaking court ruling in Japan has ordered the government to grant refugee status to a gay man from a North African country seeking asylum from persecution due to his sexual orientation. The man, in his 30s, fled his home country where same-sex relationships are banned, and violators face arrest. After facing danger and restrictions in his home country, he sought refuge in Japan in December 2019.
Despite his plea for refugee status being denied initially in 2021 and the subsequent rejection of his appeal, he persisted in seeking justice. In July 2022, he filed a lawsuit at the Osaka District Court challenging the immigration authorities’ decision.
The court’s decision comes against the backdrop of Japan unveiling new guidelines for recognizing refugees, emphasizing protection for those facing persecution based on their gender or sexual identity. Japan granted refugee status to a record 303 individuals in 2023, though the numbers pale in comparison to other countries.
This ruling marks a significant step towards protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum in Japan, showcasing the country’s commitment to upholding humanitarian values.
© KYODO