U.N. Raises Concerns Over Chagos Islands Deal

A U.N. committee has advised Britain and Mauritius against ratifying an agreement concerning the Chagos Islands' future. The deal may prolong Chagossians' rights violations notably regarding their right to return. Criticism includes lack of acknowledgement of past injustices and insufficient cultural preservation measures.

The United Nations committee has voiced concerns over a recent agreement between Britain and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, stating that it may continue the long-standing rights violations faced by the Chagossian people. The deal, established in May, transfers sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius but allows Britain to maintain control of the significant air base on Diego Garcia.

Historically, up to 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly removed during the 1960s and 1970s. Many have since relocated to Britain, with some seeking to return to their ancestral lands. The U.N. committee, meeting in Geneva, criticized the deal for explicitly inhibiting Chagossians' return and failing to acknowledge past injustices or provide reparations adequately.

While parties to the 1965 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, both Britain and Mauritius face increased pressure to honor Chagossians' rights. The U.N. body called for continued cooperation to resolve these issues. Meanwhile, the British government acknowledges the importance of heritage visits, though the controversy surrounding the deal persists.

(With inputs from agencies.)