A lesbian refugee from Zimbabwe, who was facing death threats from her own family, has been denied asylum by Irish authorities which argued her claim ‘lacked credibility’ as her sexuality could ‘not be confirmed’.
In 2019, the International Protection Officer (IPO) recommended the woman, who has not been named, be denied asylum in Ireland.
The woman appealed, saying she had been forced into two child marriages in Zimbabwe, and had to flee her home due to threats of violence when her family discovered her sexuality.
Despite two years of appeals against the IPO ruling, justice Tara Burns once again denied her request on Friday January 22, according to The Irish Times.