A bisexual man living in Canada has been granted one-year temporary residency a day before his planned deportation to Kenya.
48-year-old Charles Mwangi was scheduled to leave Canada on Sunday, August 25, for being undocumented after his refugee claim was denied in 2021 and unsuccessful several follow-up appeal.
He launched several petitions, protests and an emergency application to the United Nations Human Rights committee supported by the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.
According to the UN application, Mwangi’s refugee claim was denied because the adjudicator did not find him to be a credible bisexual man.
Further, the adjudicator explained that Mwangi is a married man with two children. However, Mwangi had issued a sworn testimony and included the testimony of a man he was said to be dating in Toronto.
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Why Did the Bisexual Man Flee Kenya?
Mwangi said that he fled Kenya after facing death threats and abuse because of his sexuality before arriving in Canada in 2019.
According to him, Kenya criminalizes same-sex relationships, and human rights groups have reported widespread cases of discrimination, harassment and violence against LGBTQ people, with police often cited as one of the major perpetrators.
“Before coming, I was told people like me would be safe in Canada. But now my life is in danger again because I am facing deportation on August 25, 2024 – less than two weeks away,
“Right now, Kenya is considering passing laws similar to Uganda which would allow people like me to be executed. The media is full of news about the targeting of gay people,” Mwangi stated in his petition.
When he went to Canada, Mwangi worked in the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic as a personal support worker.
“I took care of elderly people when no one else did. I now work at two shelters for both youth and adults as a housekeeper and personal support worker in Toronto,” he stated in a past interview.
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Protests to be held in Canada
Consequently, the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change has announced that Mwangi will lead a demonstration in Toronto on September 15.
According to the organization, the protest will be part of Canada’s wide actions against racism and for immigrant justice.
Also, the organization said Mwangi now works as a personal support worker at two Toronto shelters, and previously worked in long-term care homes during the covid-19 pandemic.
They said he had come to Canada under the belief that it was safe for people who identify as LGBTQ+.
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