Inayat’s Story
Inayat had no choice but to flee Afghanistan. His father had been killed, his mother had died of illness, and the Taliban were targeting him and his older brother for recruitment. He was just 10 years old.
The two brothers travelled together with an uncle, until a dangerous border crossing separated Inayat from his remaining family. He journeyed on alone, eventually staying in a former landfill site just east of Calais – infamously known as the Jungle.
One year on and Inayat found himself in the UK, having crossed the Channel in the back of a lorry. Alone, frightened and in need of refuge, he was now 14 years old.
An unaccompanied, asylum-seeking child, Inayat was placed into foster care. It was a new family – albeit temporary and thousands of miles from home. They helped him search online for his brother, eventually tracking him down just a short train journey away. Inayat started working with a Young Roots’ caseworker who helped him understand his rights and entitlements and advocated for him.
But the pandemic soon dampened any hope. Inayat’s foster carer contracted COVID, forcing him into a new placement. The new surroundings brought physical threats and poor mental health. Inayat had to move a third time to break away from this dangerous environment, which separated him from his brother once more.
With little where else to turn – and desperate to reunite with his brother – Inayat returned to Young Roots for help.
With Inayat’s safety and accommodation a priority, Young Roots secured him a community care solicitor to help fight for – and protect – his rights.
The next 12 months were difficult. Anxiety, homelessness and separation were beginning to take their toll. Young Roots supported him any way possible, with food vouchers, regular contact, a highly reputable immigration solicitor and a therapist referral. Inayat was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.
The age assessment process brought further distress. Just a teenager, Inayat was grilled about his upbringing, his exploitation, his medical history. Across more than 15 legal meetings, Young Roots supported him as he tried to explain these complicated issues.
At the end of it all, it was decided Inayat was a few weeks away from turning 18 years old. He would be moved into adult accommodation in just 3 weeks’ time.
A strong legal challenge was brought instantly. And, after weeks of litigation, it was decided that Inayat had been 15 at the time of his arrival. Still a year older than his claimed age, Inayat accepted the offer – he wanted to move on, to start his education and to reunite with his brother.
Following the trial, he moved to a semi-independent placement. It’s close to his brother and he has a great working relationship with the staff and young people around him, regularly going swimming and playing football. He has even started at college – the first time he has ever had any formal education.
Inayat is still waiting for an outcome on his asylum claim but he continues to attend Young Roots’ youth activities. And he regularly brings other young people with him for help; he’s been there before himself, so he knows they need an advocate.
While this is a true story, names have been changed to protect the young person.