Chagos Islanders

The Chagos Islanders are the original inhabitants of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. In the 1960s and 1970s, the UK removed most of them to establish a military base on Diego Garcia, one of the islands. Many were resettled in Mauritius, Seychelles, or the UK, often facing hardship. Their displacement has led to ongoing legal and human rights debates over their right to return and compensation, as they argue the removal was unfair and violated their rights. The situation highlights issues of colonialism, sovereignty, and indigenous rights.