UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a serious diplomatic and legal crisis after reports confirmed that a formal complaint has been submitted to the United Nations over alleged human rights violations and “crimes against humanity” linked to the handling and proposed transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago.

The legal action was initiated by James Tumbridge, Attorney General of the Chagos government-in-exile. He has filed an urgent submission to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, requesting an investigation into whether the UK government’s actions violate international human rights law.

According to the complaint, Starmer’s government is accused of conduct amounting to “ethnic cleansing” and of obstructing the right of indigenous Chagossians to return to their homeland.

Tensions escalated last Saturday when the UK’s Border Force was allegedly involved in blocking a supply vessel carrying humanitarian aid to a small group of Chagossians—reportedly including local leader Misley Mandarin—who are currently camped on the islands.

Mandarin directly accused Starmer of ordering the blockade, claiming they were denied essential survival supplies such as solar panels for water filtration, mosquito nets, and bedding.
“In the 1960s and 70s, the British government expelled us from our islands. Now that we have returned, they are trying to remove us again—this time by cutting off humanitarian aid,” he said.

Lawyers representing the Chagossian community argue that such actions could constitute a serious violation of the right of indigenous people not to be forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands. More than 300 other Chagossians are reportedly seeking the right to return.

The UN complaint presents a significant political contradiction for Starmer, who has built his leadership image around adherence to international law and the protection of human rights.

The controversy also deals a major blow to the proposed “Chagos deal,” under which the UK government had planned to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. The plan has since stalled and was removed from the King’s Speech following opposition from the United States.

Washington has expressed concern over relinquishing control of territory that includes the strategically critical military base at Diego Garcia, which plays a key role in U.S. operations in the Middle East—particularly amid rising tensions with Iran.

The issue has sparked intense debate across British media, including GB News. Some analysts warn that if the UN intervenes and supports returning the islands directly to the Chagossian people rather than Mauritius, it could create long-term instability around Diego Garcia.

Meanwhile, opposition figures have criticized what they describe as policy confusion and repeated “U-turns” by Starmer, arguing that the government’s approach has wasted both time and public resources.

Surveys indicate that a majority of Chagossians wish to retain British citizenship. As of now, the Prime Minister’s Office has not issued an official response to the UN complaint, while the international community continues to closely monitor London’s next move.