Asylum: British Indian Ocean Territory
(asked on 17th July 2024) - View Source
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to ensure the implementation of the UNHCR recommendations on the safeguarding and welfare of refugees and asylum seekers on Diego Garcia; and what arrangements are being made to bring those people to the UK, given the UNHCR's finding that Diego Garcia is not a suitable environment.
Answered by
Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
BIOT is not a suitable long-term location for the migrants which is why we are working to find a lasting solution.
The BIOT Administration has taken careful note of the UNHCR's recommendations on the safeguarding and welfare of the migrants. The welfare and safety of migrants on BIOT is the Administration's top priority. They are provided with food, telecoms, education and recreational facilities, and 24-hours-a-day medical support., to the extent to which this is possible in Diego Garcia.
The BIOT Administration has worked to put appropriate safeguarding and social care systems in place for the migrants. All allegations of criminality are fully investigated, with criminal charges brought where appropriate.