Guardian Editorial Criticizes European Engagement with Taliban on Afghan Migrant Returns

The Guardian published an editorial on 4 Saratan arguing that European countries are prioritizing the return of Afghan migrants through talks with the Taliban in Brussels, despite risks to women and other vulnerable groups. The editorial states that such engagement effectively compromises human rights commitments five years after the fall of Kabul.

According to the editorial, the European Union has focused discussions on deporting Afghans who lack residence rights or have been convicted of serious crimes. It highlights restrictions imposed since 2021, including bans on girls' education, limits on women's work and movement, and the removal of women from public life.

Human rights institutions have described the Taliban's treatment of women and girls as possible gender apartheid, the editorial notes. It warns that returning Afghans could face arrest, torture, harassment or death, particularly women, civil activists, opponents of the Taliban and those who worked with Western institutions.

The Guardian calls on governments to recognize gender apartheid as an international crime, maintain humanitarian aid and ensure safe futures for Afghan refugees rather than emphasizing migration control. The editorial contends that current policies risk legitimizing the Taliban while undermining protections for at-risk individuals.