UN Report: UK's Diego Garcia Military Base Unsuitable for Stranded Migrants

The United Nations refugee agency has stated that a remote British territory in the Indian Ocean, which houses a secretive UK-US military base, is not a suitable place for migrants to be held long-term. This comes after the agency was granted rare access to the territory, where dozens of Sri Lankan Tamils have been stranded in a makeshift camp on Diego Garcia for over two years. It is the first time that asylum claims have been filed in this territory. The UK government acknowledged that it is searching for a long-term solution and emphasized that the wellbeing and safety of the migrants are a top priority for the administration of the British Indian Ocean Territory. UNHCR representatives recently visited Diego Garcia with the assistance of UK authorities and are following up on their findings. The agency expressed that Diego Garcia, being an island hosting a military base with no civilian population, is not an appropriate place for the long-term residence of this group. They called on the UK to ensure fair and efficient determination of the pending claims and to secure solutions for those in need of international protection, in accordance with international law. The group of Tamils arrived on Diego Garcia in 2021 after their boat encountered difficulties while attempting to sail to Canada. The asylum claims they have made are the first ever to be launched in the British Indian Ocean Territory, which is considered distinct and separate from the UK and where the Refugee Convention does not apply. Many members of the group claim to have links with the former Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka and face persecution as a result. Conditions on the island have been described as hellish by asylum seekers, and their legal status has left them in a state of limbo. There have been numerous suicide attempts, instances of self-harm, and hunger strikes, including involving children. Lawyers representing the asylum seekers are advocating for access to the island and highlight that this group includes children and survivors of torture and sexual violence. Currently, five people have had their claims for international protection approved, but no country has been identified for their relocation. The UK government is working with third countries to accept those who cannot be safely returned to their country of origin, while also investigating any allegations of mistreatment seriously.