RelocationOriginal inhabitants of Diego Garcia may be allowed to return
Following close to two decades of controversy and legal battles, the original inhabitants of the Chagos archipelago territories in the India Ocean, many of whom forcibly removed between 1967 and 1973 in order to allow the construction of military bases by Britain and the United States, may soon see their homeland again after the results of a new feasibility study. More than half of the 1,800 Chagossian people who were removed have died, but many of those remaining would like to return to the island chain, which includes a CIA base at Diego Garcia, one of the main islands.
Following close to two decades of controversy and legal battles, the original inhabitants of the Chagos archipelago territories in the India Ocean, many of whom forcibly removed between 1967 and 1973 in order to allow the construction of military bases by Britain and the United States, may soon see their homeland again after the results of a new feasibility study.
As theGuardian reports, more than half of the 1,800 Chagossian people who were removed have died, but many of those remaining would like to return to the island chain, which includes a CIA base at Diego Garcia, one of the main islands.
“Most of those still alive would like to return,” said Sabrina Jean, the daughter of native parents, “We are hopeful.”
This sentiment is based on an interim report by the KPMG consultant firm, which found that that the potential for re-homing the refugees on Diego Garcia was a viable option. The final report is expected to reach a similar conclusion, and the British government, which claims the area as the British Indian Ocean Territory, will make a decision in March.
“It is sixteen years since Chagossians began their campaign,” said David Snoxell, the deputy commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory. “Expectations have been hugely raised by…this latest feasibility study which he commissioned. It would be inconceivable for the coalition to refuse them the right to return, when the only possible obstacle is cost. The very least the government can do is to try out a pilot resettlement on Diego Garcia.”
KPMG has estimated the cost for relocating the Chagossians to Diego Garcia at a minimum of £64 million over the course of three years. Many supporters of re-homing are concerned, however, that the measure will be overlooked in a time of budget deficits and cuts. Others worry still that a rebuilding program might largely be unnecessary.
“They [KPMG] are taking a Western, London model,” said Ben Fogle, a television personality and champion of Chagossian rights. “It assumes you need a brick hospital, a brick school, roads and sanitation. This is a simple island paradise. The remains of their wooden buildings are still there. It will be a slow process to ensure everything is in place…but they lived there very happily before.” Fogle also referred to the price tag as a “drop in the ocean” in terms of righting the injustice experienced by the refugees.
Additionally, classified U.S. embassy cables distributed by Wikileaks in 2009 confirmed that the Labor government had considered declaring the entire archipelago a maritime park in order to prevent the Chagossians from returning, and continue military operations in the area. The atmosphere has changed in Britain since then, and relocation is likely to be ensured.
“All of the obstacles have pretty much resolved,” said Stefan Donnelly, the interim chairman of the UK Chagos Support Association. “There is real opportunity for the government to resolve this national disgrace. This is the best chance for the Chagossian people in forty years. They are starting to die off.”
An unnamed senior British diplomat added that the U.S. State Department was optimistic about sharing Diego Garcia with the inhabitants.
