Stories

To put it simply, I had to leave Sudan because my life was in danger. I was just a teenager, but I was targeted many times by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF is a powerful armed group in Sudan. They control many areas and are known for forcing people to join them, including children – boys and young men are the RSF’s main recruitment target. They use fear, threats, abduction, and violence to make people join.

I knew that if they tried to recruit me, I wouldn’t be able to escape. I was scared that I’d be taken by force or that if I refused to join them, they would accuse me of supporting the opposition or being against them. Thousands of people are being killed by the RSF right now. I believe I would have lost my life if I stayed. I had no choice but to leave my country.

When I arrived in the UK, I was exhausted and frightened. At the border, the officials kept telling me that I was 23 years old, even though I am only 17. I tried to understand what was happening, but I did not know my rights or what I was supposed to do. I felt powerless. I thought that if I stayed quiet and did not challenge them, they might leave me alone. Because of this fear, I didn’t contest what they said, even though it wasn’t true.

As a result, I was placed in asylum housing for adults in London. I was alone and confused, and I didn’t know who to ask for help. 

I’d been in the UK for  four months when I came across West London Welcome. Meeting them has changed everything for me. When I walked into the centre, one of the managers noticed that I looked very young, and asked me about my age and my journey. She listened carefully to me. For the first time, I felt that someone believed me. I told her my age and explained what had happened with the border officials. She asked me if an age assessment had ever been done, and I told her that I didn’t think it had. She explained to me that councils here have a legal duty to protect children in their area, and that this includes young people who come here on their own to seek asylum and who the government disagrees with on the age they say they are. She also explained that the local council must carry out an age assessment and make sure young people are placed in accommodation for children rather than adults while this is happening. This was the first time I was explained my rights in the UK.

She immediately contacted the local council and followed up to make sure an age assessment was carried out. She supported me throughout the process and made sure my situation was taken seriously. The age assessment confirmed my real age of 17. That same week, I was moved out of adult accommodation and into accommodation with people my age. I was also given a social worker.

When I moved, I felt an enormous sense of relief. I could sleep properly and felt less afraid. I am so grateful to West London Welcome – without their help, I would still be living with adults.. The UK asylum system is so difficult and confusing. The staff here at West London Welcome and at my new youth home made sure that I was kept safe, and now I have the support I need. I’m much happier, and feel protected and supported in my life.