The Take Another Take: The Chagos Islands, the UK and the US
Mar 28, 2026
Clive Baldwin, Senior Legal Advisor at Human Rights Watch who led the Chagos report, explains how the UK and US displaced Chagossians and turned the islands into a military base. He recounts archival evidence of racist motives. He outlines the long legal fight, international rulings, and calls for reparations and a right of return.
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Chagossian Life Described As Communal Paradise
- Chagossians described island life as self-sufficient and communal paradise before deportation.
- Noela Gaspar recalled fishing, planting, and shared Saturday Sega music that defined daily life and culture.
Medical Evacuation Turned Into Permanent Exile
- Families were separated when people left for medical care and then were refused return, turning temporary trips into permanent exile.
- Clive Baldwin recounted a sister taken to Mauritius for care whose mother was later told she couldn't go back because "the islands have been sold."
Deliberate Service Cuts And Dog Gassing To Force Removal
- Authorities intentionally degraded services (teachers, nurses, food) to force Chagossians off the islands.
- Clive Baldwin described dogs being rounded up and gassed, which terrified residents into leaving on overcrowded hold-bound ships.