Lucia Coerman successfully secures asylum for her client

We are pleased to share that Lucia Coerman has secured asylum on protection grounds for her client, a lesbian woman from Zimbabwe, after she was persecuted and trafficked before reaching the UK.

Lucia’s client was forced to undergo a “cleansing ceremony” by her family, persecuted by state actors and ultimately trafficked to Europe for sexual exploitation – she therefore sought asylum in the UK. Despite all facts being accepted, the Home Office denied her asylum claim, and the First-tier Tribunal dismissed her appeal against the Home Office’s decision, failing to consider the combined risks she faced and overlooking the impact of her trafficking experience.

Employing her customary dedication and determination, Lucia successfully appealed to the Upper Tribunal who agreed that the earlier findings were unreasonable, and that when the combined risks were properly considered, her lay client would clearly face persecution if returned to her country of origin. The First-tier Tribunal decision was set aside and leave to remain on protection grounds was granted.

This outcome not only secures safety and dignity for Lucia’s client but also highlights why real migrant stories matter. At a time when misinformation can dominate public debate, it is vital to show the lived realities of people fleeing persecution and exploitation – and the role of dedicated legal representation in ensuring justice.

Lucia was instructed by Henscott Solicitors.