Portrait written by FIZ – Advocacy and Support for Migrant Women and Victims of Trafficking

After graduating from school, Dalika couldn’t find work and moved abroad. There, she worked as a sex worker and began her gender-affirming transition. After several years, when she returned to her home country, she discovered that she was living with HIV.
"I immediately sought medical help and was lucky to gain access to medication through an organization that advocates for the rights of trans people. Because where I come from, the life of a trans person is considered less valuable, and access to healthcare is severely restricted."
But after several months, Dalika realized the medication wasn’t working and the virus continued to spread in her body. Her condition deteriorated rapidly—the infection had already advanced and was affecting her skin and organs.
"I was desperate, afraid for my life, and couldn’t find any way to access the right treatment."
She reached out to an acquaintance and was offered the chance to work in Europe for a few months as a domestic worker. In the hope of finally receiving treatment, she accepted the offer.

But once in Europe, a very different reality awaited her. Immediately upon arrival, she was taken to an apartment and locked up. Her passport and phone were taken away. The perpetrators forced Dalika into sex work:
"The ads, appointments, services, and prices – everything was controlled by the perpetrators. I received no income because I was told I had to repay huge debts for travel and lodging."
If Dalika refused to serve a client or take drugs, she was humiliated, threatened, and beaten.
"Many demanded unprotected sex."
As a result, Dalika was exposed to further infections. She still had no access to medical care, and her physical condition continued to deteriorate. Dalika was completely dependent:
"Even if I had a chance to escape – where could I have gone without a passport, without money, and without access to life-saving medication?"

After several months, the perpetrators brought Dalika to Switzerland. During a police raid, she was arrested for irregular residency and undeclared work. After two days in pre-trial detention and an initial interrogation, the police identified signs of human trafficking in her case and referred her to the FIZ – Centre for Women Migrants and Victims of Trafficking. Her physical condition was already critical:
"Due to the lack of treatment, the disease had progressed severely – I had begun to lose my vision and had open wounds on my body."
Dalika was diagnosed with HIV and tuberculosis at a health checkpoint. She immediately received access to medication and comprehensive treatment. FIZ organized health insurance, secure housing, and close personal support.
"For over six months, I had to take strong daily doses before my condition finally improved."

"Where could I have gone without my passport, without money, and without access to life-saving medication?"

Today, Dalika's health is stable again and the tuberculosis has been cured. She chose to press charges. Although the fear of retaliation by the perpetrators is great, her fear of losing access to healthcare and the labor market in her home country is even greater. The legal process has provided her with temporary security, allowing her to stay in Switzerland for the duration of the proceedings and continue receiving critical medication.
"I want to protect others from going through what I went through and stop the people who exploit our vulnerability. I want to raise visibility for my community and build awareness of how much societal and structural discrimination still harms lives – even today! I want justice!"