Petition · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Recognise Chagossian community as a distinct category in official UK statistics
Open for signatures
53 signatures
What the petition asks
Many Chagossians are former residents of the British Indian Ocean Territory, removed in the 1960s–70s. The UK recognises them as a community while stating there is no permanent population. We call for formal recognition as a distinct ethnic group in UK official statistics.
Chagossians were removed from the British Indian Ocean Territory in the 1960s–70s and share a distinct history, culture and identity. We believe that formal recognition in official UK statistics would ensure coherence across legislation, policy and public administration, including official classification and status.
Timeline
| 8 Jun 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
53
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Opened
8 Jun 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.