Mokti’s story is one of courage in the face of a highly manipulative system. At just 17, he found himself caught in a battle with UK authorities over something as fundamental as his identity. Age-disputed by the local authority and placed in adult accommodation, Mokti was forced to navigate a legal labyrinth, all while dealing with the trauma of displacement.

After months of fighting, he was offered an out-of-court settlement. The local authority would agreed to recognise Mokti’s age, 18 at the time of the settlement, but crucially, they would refuse to provide the “leaving care” support he would have been entitled to had they treated him as a child when he was 17. This meant that even though the system had failed him by misclassifying his age, the local authority wanted to deny him the support he rightfully deserved. For Mokti, accepting the settlement would have meant giving up vital care and opportunities.

The risks of going to court were significant. If Mokti lost, he would have had to live the rest of his life with official documents stating he was seven years older than his actual age. The implications for his future would have been profound; a lifetime of being misrepresented by incorrect legal documents would have affected everything from his employment prospects to his ability to build a life. It was a heavy burden for any young person to bear.

But Mokti didn’t settle. He chose to fight in court—and he won.

This victory wasn’t just a legal one. It was a stand against a system that had tried to manipulate him into accepting less than he deserved. The local authority’s settlement offer was a form of coercion, designed to push Mokti into accepting a deal that benefited them more than it did him. It’s a tactic reminiscent of plea-bargaining, where innocent people agree to plead guilty because the risks of going to trial are too high. Like many who face these kinds of decisions, Mokti was asked to choose between security and justice—but he bravely chose justice.

The fact that Mokti had to face this choice at all speaks to how flawed the system can be. By offering him a settlement that acknowledged their failure but denied him care, the local authority exploited his vulnerability. It’s a manipulative and deeply unfair way to treat a young person—especially one who had already endured so much hardship as an unaccompanied child in a foreign country.

Mokti’s decision to stand up for himself and take his case to court is a testament to his resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that young people in the asylum system deserve more than quick fixes and compromises. They deserve full recognition of their rights, and they should never be put in a position where they are forced to choose between accepting injustice or risking their future.

At Refugee Youth Service, we are inspired by Mokti’s determination and courage. His victory is affirms why we continue to fight for the rights of unaccompanied children. These young people deserve care, dignity, and the chance to build their lives free from the fear of an unjust system. Mokti’s story shows that it’s possible to win—even when the odds seem stacked against you.