PRESS CONFERENCE
Caught Up in the Japanese Refugee Recognition System: The Story of a Former Cameroonian Union Leader
Koichiro Yoshida, Japanese Lawyer
Fon Fon Christopher, Refugee Applicant
15:00-16:00 Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English.
On 7th February, the Tokyo High Court overturned a ruling that recognized Fon Fon Christopher as a refugee–after a five-year struggle. The twisted tale of his application for refugee status has once again highlighted the struggles of people seeking refuge in Japan.
Christopher was the leader of a trade union fighting for the workers' rights in Cameroon. He became the target of persecution and witnessed the torture and murder of one of his union colleagues. Fearing for his life, he decided to flee to Japan nine years ago and claimed asylum. However, his application was rejected in 2019 by the Tokyo Immigration. Christopher spent eight months in detention at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau in Shinagawa. In the first lawsuit, the government argued that there was no evidence supporting the man's participation in the labor union, and that the arrest warrant he provided was not genuine. However, the court pointed out that while the arrest warrant lacked specific factual details, it could not be said to be dubious in its authenticity. Additionally, there were articles in local newspapers reporting the issuance of the arrest warrant, leading to the conclusion that he qualified as a refugee.
Now the Tokyo High court has overturned the lower court decision with what many would argues without sufficient examination of the evidence. Christopher and his lawyers plan to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Christopher's case highlights the problems with Japan's refugee recognition system, its miniscule acceptance rate, and the refugees caught up in the system. Once their applications are rejected, asylum seekers like Christopher are provided little or no support by the government. They have no connection and money to afford legal assistance. Even if they win the case at the court, they are not rewarded any damages.
Christopher's attorney Koichiro Yoshida believed his client's situation was a clear breach of the Refugee Convention. Furthermore, the lives of Christopher's family, supporters and lawyers in Cameroon have been put at risk by the Japanese government when they disclosed sensitive information during their appeal process. A detailed account in English and Japanese of Christopher's journey from Cameroon to Japan can be heard here.
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Professional Activities Committee