Dear All,
The judicial review contesting the legality of the Marine Protected Area was held in April 2013. I believe it important to stress on the importance of that litigation. Many have misinterpreted the legal actions that we have taken and stated that we are against the protection and preservation of the environment.
I believe it important to reiterate that the Chagossians community is not against the protection and preservation of the environment. We are simply stating that environmental protections cannot be used as an excuse to infringe our fundamental right to return to our homeland.
Moreover, the UK should have embarked on a detailed consultation process without concealing any information or manipulating the findings. We would like to emphasize that despite the fact that we met with a purportedly independent facilitator, our concerns were not attended to. Our traditional fishing right has been ignored.
We believe that the Chagos Archipelago was declared as a MPA in violations of well established norms and principles of international law.
It is crucial that we all understand that nobody can snatch our fundamental human rights. We are born with our human rights. This is the land of our ancestors and forefathers. We have every right to reside in the Chagos Archipelago.
Our homeland is a symbol of our culture, traditions, heritage and it provides us with a sense of belonging.
Without our homeland, our culture will be eradicated, our rights ignored and we will lose part of ourselves.
I am happy that the young Chagossian generation is involved in this struggle and prepared to fight for our right to return. I am confident that the younger generation shall ensure that the Chagossian rights’ are protected and respected.
Lastly, I would like to thank the entire Chagossians community for their supports, faith and believe in our legal battles.
We shall not stop until our goal is achieved.
Our goal is the right to reside in our homeland. No more; no less!
Thank you.
Olivier Bancoult, OSK
Chairman CRG
