The Chagossians' battle to stay on their ancestral islands has been handed a notable boost. Misley Mandarin — Interim First Minister of the Chagos Islands Government-in-Exile, and himself one of the Chagossians now living on the islands — has welcomed news that Human Rights Watch has applied to intervene in this month's Court of Appeal hearing on the community's future.
The application was confirmed by James Tumbridge, the lawyer acting for Mr Mandarin and the other claimants who are resisting Government efforts to remove them from their homeland.
Listed for 15–17 July, the appeal will see ministers attempt to overturn an earlier ruling that allowed Chagossians to remain on the islands.
Why Human Rights Watch is stepping in
One of the world's foremost human rights organisations, Human Rights Watch has now sought to intervene, raising concerns about crimes associated with removal and arguing that sustaining a population is achievable — noting that support is already provided to even more remote places such as Tristan de Cunha.
According to Mr Tumbridge, the organisation intends to argue that the original judge was correct, that circumstances have since changed, and that Chagossians should be permitted to resettle on the islands.
The move marks a significant turn in a case that is drawing growing international attention — one raising 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 alongside leading public law barrister Philip Rule KC.
Where the Great British PAC stands
The Great British PAC has backed legal challenges and the wider campaign to defend the rights of Chagossians and to ensure they are not shut out of 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 due to run from 15 to 17 July 2026.