Romeo, Cardiff

Romeo is from Cameroon. He was an activist with an organisation campaigning for the rights of disabled students in Yaounde. Following demonstrations there he was arrested, imprisoned and beaten. If sent back to Cameroon, he expects similar and worse treatment. He has been in the UK for six months, and his first application has already been heard and rejected. He appealed on 28th April and he’s now waiting to hear the outcome, which even if in his favour, may be challenged by the Home Office.

Romeo contracted polio at the age of three, and is only mobile with crutches or a wheelchair. His current accommodation has steps at the front door, so in order to get in and out he needs to call someone to lift him. His previous accommodation was up stairs, leading to various accidents; he has damaged his knee and broken an ankle. It's almost impossible for him to get around – he has no bus pass, and of course can't walk anywhere. Previously he had no wheelchair, but when he had to travel from Croydon to see his solicitor in Whitechapel he had an accident and was eventually loaned a hospital chair.

Romeo is disappointed with the reception he has met here from the authorities. "This is a country which champions human rights, and yet people aren't warm here. I expected it to be different."