WHAT HAPPENED
WHAT WE WANT
WHAT WE DO
Chagossians were forcibly expelled from their homes in the Chagos Islands by the British Governement 40 years ago. They have been prevented from returning ever since.
We call on the British Government to allow the Chagossian people to return to their homeland, and provide proper compensation and an apology for everything they have suffered.
We work to draw attention to the islanders’ plight, to help them in their struggle and to support them in hardship. Our patrons are Ben Fogle and Benjamin Zephaniah.
UK Chagos Support Association is no longer active and this website is no longer being updated. To contact Chagossian community groups, please see our closure statement
‘A shockingly recent act of imperial arrogance’ was one journalist’s description of the eviction of the Chagos islanders.
In 1967 the British government bought out the plantation owners, shut down the plantations and stopped the regular supply ship. With no warning or consultation, the islanders, numbering about 2000 at this time, were told that they were all being evicted
And after the deportation? Promised compensation arrived diminished and years late. Promised support did not come at all.
Despite favourable court verdicts, independent studies and international verdicts, the right to return has never been restored. And nothing like fair compensation has ever been paid.
...[Learn More]
WHAT WE WANT
The UK Chagos Support Association supports the Chagossian community's demand that they have the final say over the future of their Chagos Islands homeland and that they have the right to return to their homeland.
But we can not wait for governments or others to take action to deliver. We are also here to support the Chagossian community in exile, wherever they live now.
We are an entirely voluntary group who feel we collectively need to take action to deliver a small measure of justice to the community. And we always welcome new volunteers.
WHAT WE DO
The association works to draw attention to the islanders’ plight, to help them in their struggle against injustice and to support them in hardship. [You Can Make A Difference]
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Urge the government to provide resettlement and proper compensation. The islanders have lost their court battles in the UK for resettlement and proper compensation, but they aren't giving up. The more pressure is on the Government to do the right thing, the better chance they have of achieving justice.
Patron
"Last year, I visited Crawley for a day celebrating Chagossian culture. Hundreds of Chagossians attended with photos, paintings, diaries and food that represented their vanishing culture. “I have one dying wish,” whispered an elderly Chagossian, still traumatised by her forced exile. “To set foot on my island and clear my husband’s grave. Then I can die happy.”
Patron
“I couldn’t believe such a huge injustice had happened, and continues to happen, in modern times. I was just a street poet from Birmingham, but I remember telling myself that I will do anything I can to help these people return to their lands.”
GET IN TOUCH
Call us on 07474385386
or fill out the contact form below & we’ll get back to you.
