Chagossian people commemorates 52nd Anniversary of final deportation with cultural gathering in Derby, United Kingdom — On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Chagossians from across the United Kingdom and Switzerland gathered in Derby to mark the 52nd anniversary of the final deportation of the Chagossian people from their homeland in 1973. The solemn occasion was observed through a vibrant cultural event aimed at preserving the community’s heritage and strengthening intergenerational identity.

Hosted by local Chagossians, the event served as a poignant reminder of the forced displacement and continued resilience of the Chagossian people. The gathering featured traditional practices such as coconut grating and the preparation of “seraz poul” — a signature dish made with chicken and coconut milk — as part of efforts to safeguard Chagossian culinary and cultural traditions.

“This day is not only about remembering the injustice we endured, but also about celebrating who we are and ensuring our children and grandchildren remain connected to our roots,” said one of the event organizers.

The Chagossian people, originally exiled from the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean during the late 1960s and early 1970s to make way for a military base, continues to advocate for recognition, restitution, reparation and the right to return to their ancestral lands with a right to self-determination.