Japan's immigration authorities have granted a lesbian Ugandan woman refugee status after a court ruled in favor of her.

The woman received a certificate of recognition as a refugee and a residence card at the Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau on Wednesday.

The Ugandan national in her 30s says she was arrested by police in her country for being a lesbian and subject to violence, which left her with serious injuries. She fled to Japan three years ago.

However, her request for refugee status was rejected and she was ordered to leave Japan. She then filed a lawsuit seeking the status.

Last month, the Osaka District Court ordered the Japanese government to recognize her as a refugee.

The court said as long as Uganda has criminal law that effectively punishes homosexuals, it is natural to assume that she could be criminalized or physically restrained. It said she could be persecuted if she returns to her country.

The court ruling was finalized as the government did not appeal it.

The woman told reporters that she feels good as she can now dream about her future. She said she would like to once again thank everyone who has supported her.