The Chagos Islands deal between the UK and Mauritius has sparked backlash from UN experts. A UN panel insists the agreement fails to protect Chagossian rights and demands renegotiation. The controversial deal, signed last month, transfers sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius but lets the UK keep control of Diego Garcia’s military base.
Independent UN-appointed human rights experts argue the Chagos Islands deal blocks Chagossians from returning home. They claim the agreement violates their right to ancestral lands. Moreover, the panel highlights concerns over cultural rights and reparations.
The UK Foreign Office defends the deal, stating it received support from international bodies. However, critics argue the agreement ignores Chagossian demands. The UN panel urges suspension and fresh negotiations immediately.
In the 1960s, the UK forcibly removed Chagossians to build the Diego Garcia base. Many resettled in Mauritius, Seychelles, or the UK. Despite decades of protests, the Chagos Islands deal still denies their right to return.
Recently, two Chagossian women challenged the agreement in UK courts. They argued it neglects their birthright to Diego Garcia. Meanwhile, the UK offers a £40m trust fund, but UN experts question its adequacy.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel condemns the deal as harmful to Chagossians and British taxpayers. She introduced a bill to block ratification. Parliament must decide by July 3 whether to oppose the agreement.
As pressure mounts, the future of the Chagos Islands deal remains uncertain. Advocates insist any renegotiation must prioritize Chagossian rights and reparations. The UN panel’s intervention adds weight to their cause, demanding justice for the displaced community.
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