In June 2025, a United Nations panel called for the suspension of the recently signed UK–Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Islands, urging both nations to renegotiate terms that fully respect the rights of the displaced Chagossian people. The experts highlighted that the current deal fails to guarantee the Chagossians’ right of return and lacks provisions for preserving their cultural heritage, particularly on Diego Garcia, which remains under joint UK–US military control for 99 years.
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, were separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1965, a move the International Court of Justice deemed unlawful in 2019. Subsequent UN resolutions have affirmed Mauritius’ sovereignty over the archipelago and called for the UK’s withdrawal. In response, the UK and Mauritius signed an agreement in May 2025, transferring sovereignty to Mauritius while allowing continued UK–US military operations on Diego Garcia.
However, the Chagossian community has expressed concerns over their exclusion from negotiations and the lack of guarantees regarding their return to the islands. Activists argue that the agreement perpetuates historical injustices and fails to address their rights adequately.
The UN panel’s call for renegotiation underscores the need for a more inclusive and just resolution to the Chagos Islands dispute, one that upholds international law and ensures the Chagossians’ rights are fully respected.
