A Judge has today maintained the injunction preventing the removal of Chagossians currently on the Chagos islands, ensuring they may remain pending a full hearing of the case.
Following submissions from counsel, the Court accepted undertakings confirming that there will be no removal at this stage.
The injunction protecting the Chagossian applicants therefore remains in force. The matter will now proceed to a full hearing on 13 March, where the substantive legal arguments will be considered.
The Court also addressed issues relating to support vessel access and the presence of individuals arriving by boat. In light of concerns raised during the hearing, the Judge has imposed specific conditions governing the vessel, including limits on crew numbers and clarification of qualifications required for crew members. These measures are intended to ensure compliance with the Court’s order and to address humanitarian and logistical considerations on the island.
The Court recognised that humanitarian support and resupply remain important factors and emphasised the need for clear controls to ensure safety and proper coordination.
At the upcoming hearing, the legal teams intend to advance substantive arguments concerning the rights of the Chagossian people, including broader issues relating to the historic removal of indigenous inhabitants and the lawfulness of any future removal.
Today’s decision provides interim protection and stability while the Court prepares to consider these important issues in full.
Further updates will be provided as they come in.
