HRW Researcher Urges EU to Prioritize Rights Over Migration Deals With Taliban

Fereshteh Abbasi, an Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch, has called on European Union member states to refrain from basing the deportation of Afghan refugees on agreements with the Taliban. Abbasi emphasized that migration control policies should not override fundamental human rights, particularly given the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges inside Afghanistan.

The warning comes amid reports that a Taliban delegation is scheduled to visit Brussels in the coming weeks to discuss the return of Afghan migrants. Abbasi stated that any framework for repatriation must be grounded in international protection standards rather than political arrangements with the de facto authorities.

Concerns regarding the conditions of returning Afghans have been echoed by the International Organization for Migration. According to the agency, thousands of individuals recently returned from Pakistan are experiencing severe exhaustion, heightened vulnerability, and psychological distress. The organization noted that these returnees require immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term support to navigate the difficult transition.

Advocacy groups and international observers have consistently highlighted the risks associated with forced or accelerated returns, particularly for women, children, and individuals with documented protection needs. Abbasi reiterated that European nations must ensure robust screening processes and uphold their legal obligations to asylum seekers before proceeding with any repatriation initiatives.

The planned diplomatic engagement in Brussels underscores the growing international focus on migration management and the status of Afghan nationals abroad. As discussions continue, human rights organizations maintain that the safety and dignity of refugees must remain the central priority in any cross-border migration policy.