Chagossians urge UK to complete islands’ handover to Mauritius A Chagossian delegation visited the UK to urge parliamentarians to finalize legislation for the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, stating the issue has been “hijacked within the halls” of British politics. The refugees emphasized that their primary concern is their rights and the ability to live in their birthplace, expressing disappointment in the British government’s perceived lack of will to find a solution. They also criticized narratives that falsely claim they have no ties to Mauritius and oppose a negotiated settlement.

• A Chagossian delegation is urging UK parliamentarians to complete stalled legislation for the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
• The delegation leader, Louis Olivier Bancoult, stated that the issue of their human rights has been “hijacked within the halls of UK politics”.
• Chagossians emphasize their right to live in their birthplace and criticize current legal restrictions that prohibit resettlement.
• The delegation has met with parliamentarians like Jeremy Corbyn and David Alton, who support the Chagossians’ right to return.
• An international court of justice ruling in 2019 found the UK in breach of international law regarding its claim to the archipelago.