The United Nations refugee agency has raised concerns over the suitability of a remote British territory in the Indian Ocean, which hosts a secretive UK-US military base, as a long-term location for migrants. The territory, known as the British Indian Ocean Territory (Biot), is home to Diego Garcia, where a makeshift camp has been housing dozens of stranded Sri Lankan Tamils for over two years. The UNHCR, which was granted rare access to the island, has stated that Diego Garcia, with its lack of civilian population and military presence, is not an appropriate location for long-term residence for the migrants.
According to reports, the arrival of the Tamil migrants on Diego Garcia in October 2021 marked the first-ever asylum claims filed in the territory. The migrants, who claim to have links to the former Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka, have sought international protection, citing persecution and facing dire living conditions and mental health issues. The UNHCR’s visit to the island in 2023 aimed to assess the situation and engage with UK authorities regarding the pending claims.
The UN agency has called on the UK government to ensure fair and efficient determination of the claims, in line with international law. Despite some claims for international protection being approved, the government has yet to identify a country for relocation. In the meantime, the migrants on Diego Garcia continue to face a life of uncertainty and hardships, with reports of suicide attempts, self-harm, and hunger strikes, including children being involved.
Lawyers representing the stranded migrants are demanding access to the island and highlight the dire and unsuitable conditions endured by the group. They argue that the migrants, including torture and sexual violence survivors, have been left in limbo for over two years without their claims being lawfully determined. The UK government has expressed its commitment to the well-being and safety of migrants and is working with third countries to facilitate relocation for those who cannot be safely returned to their country of origin.
The situation on Diego Garcia highlights the complexities and challenges associated with hosting migrants in remote military bases. The unusual legal status and constitutional distinctiveness of the British Indian Ocean Territory have created uncertainty regarding the application of the Refugee Convention and the rights of asylum seekers. The UNHCR’s concerns serve as a reminder of the importance of providing migrants with suitable and humane long-term solutions, as well as adhering to international legal obligations.
The case of the stranded Tamil migrants on Diego Garcia also sheds light on the broader issue of migration and asylum, particularly in relation to vulnerable populations fleeing conflict or persecution. It underscores the need for countries to work together and ensure fair and efficient processes for determining claims, as well as providing appropriate support and protection to those in need.
As this news continues to unfold, it is crucial to closely monitor any developments regarding the migrants on Diego Garcia and their access to legal support, fair determination of claims, and eventual relocation. The implications of this case extend beyond the specific individuals involved, highlighting the broader challenges and responsibilities associated with providing a safe haven for migrants in need of international protection
