Misley Mandarin, Interim First Minister of the Chagos Islands Government-in-Exile and one of the Chagossians currently living on the islands, has welcomed the news that Human Rights Watch has applied to intervene in this month’s Court of Appeal hearing concerning the future of Chagossians living in the Chagos Islands.
The application was confirmed by lawyer James Tumbridge, who acts for Mr Mandarin and the other claimants challenging Government attempts to remove them from their homeland.
The appeal hearing, scheduled for 15–17 July, will see the Government seek to overturn an earlier court victory that allowed Chagossians to remain on the islands.
Human Rights Watch, one of the world’s leading human rights organisations, has now applied to intervene raising concerns about crimes associated with removal, and pointing out supporting a population is possible especially when more remote places are supported like Tristan de Cunha.
According to Mr Tumbridge, Human Rights Watch intends to argue that the original judge was correct, that circumstances have changed, and that resettlement of Chagossians on the islands should be permitted.
The intervention marks a significant development in a case that has attracted growing international attention and raises fundamental questions about self-determination, human rights and the future of the Chagossian people.
Misley Mandarin said:
“I am delighted that Human Rights Watch has decided to support our claims.
For generations, Chagossians have fought for the right to return to our homeland. Many of our elders passed away without ever seeing these islands again.
Today, some of us are finally living once more on the land of our ancestors. Yet despite this, the Labour Government is seeking to remove us through the courts.
The support of Human Rights Watch sends a powerful message that this case is about more than legal arguments. It is about human rights, justice and the right of a people to live on their own homeland.
We welcome their intervention and look forward to presenting our case before the Court of Appeal.
Chagossians have waited decades to be heard. We hope the court will continue to recognise our right to remain on the islands and to play a meaningful role in determining our own future.”
The claimants are represented by James Tumbridge and leading public law barrister Philip Rule KC.
The Great British PAC has supported legal challenges and the wider campaign to defend the rights of Chagossians and ensure that they are not excluded from decisions concerning their homeland.
Claire Bullivant, CEO of the Great British PAC, said:
“This is a hugely significant development.
Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s most respected human rights organisations. Its decision demonstrates the importance of this case and the principles at stake.
At its heart, this case is about whether Chagossians themselves will have a voice in decisions about their homeland.
We are proud to stand alongside Misley Mandarin, the other claimants, James Tumbridge and Philip Rule KC as they continue their fight for justice.”
The Court of Appeal hearing is scheduled to take place between 15 and 17 July 2026.
