Three years ago, 89 Tamil asylum seekers left Sri Lanka via southern India to escape persecution. Their aim was to reach Canada in an unseaworthy boat, as others had attempted before them. They expected the transoceanic crossing to take 30 days.
After 11 days at sea, their motor no longer working, they were rescued and taken to Diego Garcia, an island in the Chagos Archipelago. The archipelago is one of a few surviving British colonial overseas territories, and Diego Garcia is host to the largest US military base in the Indian Ocean.
The arrival of the asylum seekers marked the beginning of a multilayered international dispute that would go on to last three years. But their long search for safety may now be coming to an end.
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If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in this article, the following organisations can help:
Confidential support and information to women who have survived any form of sexual violence, no matter how long ago. Also provides immediate support to friends and family on how to support female survivors of sexual violence.
Phone: 0808 802 9999 (12–2:30pm & 7–9:30pm daily). Website: Rape Crisis
Confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres.
Phone: 0808 801 03 02. Website: Rape Crisis Scotland
Free support, advice and referral for any victim or domestic and sexual abuse in Northern Ireland.
Phone: 0808 802 1414 (24/7). Website: Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline
England & Wales: Visit the NHS website
Scotland: Visit the NHS inform website
Support and signposting for women, men and children who are survivors of rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
Phone: 0808 801 0818. Website: The Survivors Trust
Support for men and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse via an online helpline, counselling, Independent Sexual Violence Advisers, plus group and peer support services.
For anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Phone: 116 123. Email: jo@samaritans.org. Website: Samaritans
Emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
Phone: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7). Website: Victim Support
Emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.
Phone: 0800 160 1985 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm). Website: Victim Support Scotland
Emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.
Phone: 028 9024 3133. Website: Victim Support NI
A free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk.
Phone: 0800 1111 Website: Childline
For women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends and others calling on their behalf.
Phone: 0808 2000 247 Website: The 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Safe, emergency accommodation and emotional and practical support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
Practical support and information for women experiencing domestic violence via the Survivor's Handbook and local domestic violence services.
A confidential service for male victims of domestic abuse offering support to help men keep themselves (and their children) safe.
Phone: 0808 801 0327. Website: Men's Advice Line
National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Violence helpline run by Galop, provides support to LGBT people suffering domestic abuse.
Phone: 0800 999 5428. Website: Galop
Free specialist advocacy and peer support to those bereaved by a death following domestic abuse, including homicide, suicide and unexplained deaths.
If you or someone you know is impacted by themes or subjects raised in this article, the following organisations can help.
Support for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse, hate crime, 'conversion practices' and other forms of violence.
Phone: 0800 999 5428. Website including live chat: galop.org.uk
Support and information for trans young people, and their families, friends and supportive communities. Helpline: 0808 801 0400 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm). Website: Mermaids . Webchat, online help and support line: Contact Mermaids
National support line for anyone wishing to discuss topics related to their sexuality and gender identity including sexual health and relationships.
Phone: 0300 330 0630 (10am-10pm). Website: Switchboard
A range of services, support and information for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
Phone: 0345 330 3030 (Daily 10am-10pm). Website: LGBT Foundation
A range of services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and/or asexual people and their families in Northern Ireland.
Phone: 028 9031 9030. Website: Rainbow Project
Services for LGBTQ+ people and their friends and families in Scotland.
Phone: 0300 123 2523 (Tue & Wed 12-9pm). Website: LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Information about contraception and abortion in England, Scotland and Wales
Website: NHS contraception advice ; NHS abortion advice
Independent charity caring for women and couples who decide to end a pregnancy, or are considering adoption.
Phone: 03457 30 40 30. Website: BPAS
Advice on sexual health issues including STDs, sex and relationships, contraception and pregnancy. The website contains a postcode search facility to find your nearest sexual health clinic
Phone: 0800 22 44 88. Website: Sexual Health Scotland
Confidential sexual health helpline which offers information and support across a range of sexual health issues including access to abortion. They also provide a pregnancy choices and post-pregnancy counselling service.
Phone: 028 9031 6100. Website: Informing Choices NI
Advice on travelling for abortion, financial assistance towards the costs, and, where needed and where possible, accommodation in volunteer homes.
Sexual health services and advice for all young people under 25 at their services around the UK. Ask Brook offers interactive text and webchat services.
Sexual health and HIV prevention and support services to selected Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in London.
If you or someone you know are feeling emotionally distressed, the following organisations offer advice and support.
Available for anyone struggling to cope. They provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Phone: 116 123. Website: Samaritans
A 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help.
Text SHOUT to 85258. Website: Shout
Support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you're concerned about someone you know.
Phone: 0800 068 41 41. Website: Papyrus
Support to people suffering distress or despair in Northern Ireland, regardless of age or district.
Phone: 0808 808 8000 (24 hours a day). Website: Lifeline
Emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.
Phone: 0800 132 737 (24/7) or text "help" to 81066. Website: Community Advice & Listening Line
Confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Phone: 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, weekends 24 hours). A BSL service is also available via the website: Breathing Space
Exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.
Website: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Confidential, anonymous, non-judgemental support services run by students for students.
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