Read about Ali's experience of trafficking
My mother paid an agent to take me out of Afghanistan because the Taliban wanted to take me to fight. My two elder brothers had already been killed after being forced to fight for the Taliban. I saw my father being shot by the Taliban in front of my home.
The agent took me from Afghanistan. I travelled through many countries including Iran and France on the way to the UK. The journey was long and dangerous. I travelled in the back of lorries and in over-crowded mini buses, with adults who exploited and abused me. I slept rough on the side of the road. In cities, as well as in refugee camps, I suffered regular sexual and physical violence.
Along the journey, and in the UK, I was forced to work making bricks and in construction. This work was hard and for long hours with no rest. I was not paid for the work but was told it was payment for my journey, even though my mother had already paid the agent in Afghanistan. I was injured a number of times while working but was not able to access any medical treatment for my injuries. I was beaten if my traffickers thought I was not working hard enough.
When I arrived in the UK, I was very scared of professionals, particularly police and other uniformed services. I believed they were all corrupt and violent because of what I had encountered in Afghanistan and in other countries on my journey.
After I was referred to Barnardo’s Independent Child Trafficking Advocacy Service, my Advocate helped him me understand that professionals in the UK would help me and keep me safe.
My Advocate also helped me to understand what had happened to me, and that it was not right that I had been treated in the way I had.
I continue to have nightmares and as well as physical pain caused by the injuries I sustained when I was being forced to work. But I work hard at college and hope to get a good job that makes me happy.
If you are concerned a child may be the victim of trafficking or exploitation, please contact The Modern Slavery helpline on 08000 121 700.