In 2017, Muhammad Basem Kazem, a gay man from Iraq, sought asylum in Turkey after his partner emigrated to Canada, leaving him vulnerable and alone. Despite providing concrete evidence of their relationship and his partner's Canadian citizenship, his asylum request remains pending, leaving him trapped in a hostile environment.

The climate for LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey has been unimaginably hostile, with rampant homophobia and racism further complicating Muhammad's already dire situation. Unable to work and struggling to survive, he relies on the generosity of friends for basic necessities like food and rent.

Tragically, the psychological toll of his circumstances has manifested in multiple sclerosis (MS), but he was only granted one month of health insurance, leaving him without adequate medical care. The ongoing stress and exhaustion have taken a devastating toll on his overall well-being, compounding the already challenging circumstances.

Muhammad Basem Kazem's plea for safe asylum is an urgent one, as he continues to endure immense hardships for six long years. It is crucial that the international community comes together to address his dire situation and offer him the protection and compassion he so desperately needs.
 

For the past four agonizing months, Muhammad Basem Kazem, a gay refugee from Iraq, has been living in constant fear, unable to step outside his home due to the looming threat of Turkish police arresting and deporting Iraqi refugees back to their perilous homeland. Cut off from the outside world, he struggles to access even the most basic necessities like food and essential medications, making his life a daily battle for survival.

Trapped in his own home, Muhammad faces a barrage of bullying from hostile neighbors, further isolating him and exacerbating his distressing situation. To make matters worse, his landlord is now threatening to evict him, leaving him with nowhere to turn for refuge.

The consequences of being caught by the authorities are dire and life-threatening. If the Turkish police apprehend him and forcibly deport him back to Iraq, he faces certain death due to the dangerous situation for LGBTQ+ individuals in his home country. The urgency to act and protect Muhammad cannot be overstated.

As human rights advocates, it is incumbent upon us to rally together and extend a lifeline to Muhammad Basem Kazem. Our collective efforts must strive to ensure his safe passage to a place of refuge, where he can find security and peace. Moreover, his partner in Canada is grappling with the immense mental toll of witnessing Muhammad's perilous predicament from afar, adding to the urgency of this appeal.

In the spirit of compassion and solidarity, we must unite to safeguard Muhammad's life and human rights. By raising awareness and seeking the intervention of relevant authorities, we can make a difference and offer him a glimmer of hope in these dark times. Together, we can provide Muhammad with the safety he so urgently needs and deserves.
 

Every signature is a powerful voice of solidarity, urging for immediate action to save Muhammad Basem Kazem's life. Stand united in compassion and strength; sign the petition today and be the lifeline he urgently requires to find a safe and secure place.