theguardian.com
Diego Garcia Refugees to be Relocated to UK
Dozens of Tamil refugees stranded on Diego Garcia for over three years will be brought to the UK after the government changed its stance following legal action and a UN report highlighting inhumane conditions.
English
United Kingdom
International RelationsHuman Rights ViolationsHuman RightsRefugeesIndo PacificRefugees And MigrationLegal BattleRelocation
Uk GovernmentUnDuncan Lewis SolicitorsLeigh Day
Simon RobinsonTom Short
- What role did the UN play in the situation?
- The UN report detailed allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against women and children on Diego Garcia, along with high levels of mental distress among the refugees. The report concluded that the Tamils' detention was unlawful and they should be urgently relocated.
- What is the status of Diego Garcia's sovereignty?
- The UK's decision comes after the government agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, although Diego Garcia, which houses a US-UK military base, will remain under UK control.
- What was the reaction of the refugees' legal representatives?
- Lawyers representing the Tamils expressed relief at the government's change of heart, highlighting the inhumane conditions the refugees endured and the prolonged legal battles to secure their relocation to the UK.
- Why are the Tamil refugees being relocated from Diego Garcia?
- The UK government has agreed to bring dozens of Tamil refugees stranded on Diego Garcia to the UK after dropping its opposition to their case. The refugees, who have been on the island for over three years following a boat malfunction, will be relocated, with exceptions for three individuals with criminal convictions.
- What conditions did the Tamil refugees experience on Diego Garcia?
- The refugees, who fled Sri Lanka due to persecution, were initially offered relocation to Romania. However, after legal proceedings in the high court and a UN report highlighting inhumane conditions, the UK government changed its stance and will now bring them directly to the UK.