Hundreds support #IAmEspoir campaign

Hundreds support #IAmEspoir campaign

Hundreds of people are supporting the #IAmEspoir campaign, kickstarted by MV member Espoir Njei and staff members in Birmingham. 

Espoir is an LGBT activist who fears persecution in her home country of Cameroon due to her sexuality. She has applied for asylum in the UK and is waiting for a decision.

In an interview with Birmingham Live, she said: "I came to the UK three years ago from Cameroon because I was fleeing prosecution because of my sexuality. It is punishable by our legal system. You are imprisoned and have to pay a huge fine but it doesn't end there.

"If you are caught by your friends or family, there is a punishment called mob beating where you might be killed. Tyres could be put over you and you will be burned, but no-one says a word because you are a lesbian or gay and this is the rule."

Espoir has also spoken to ITV News about her experience as an asylum seeker in the UK, and the degrading conditions she is forced to endure while she waits for a decision.

Fellow human rights activist Peter Tatchell said: "I first met Espoir in 2018 when we attended a rally at Westminster abbey against homophobia in the commonwealth. Cameroon is unsafe for all LGBT people, especially for out LGBT people like Espoir."

Sign the petition and join the Facebook group to find out more about how to support Espoir in her fight to stay in the UK.

TOP IMAGE: Espoir with other Migrant Voice members and staff in Birmingham