INTERNATIONAL — June 23, 2026
UN Rapporteur Urges European Countries Not to Deport Afghan Migrants
Richard Bennett stressed that Taliban guarantees cannot override obligations under international law due to ongoing torture risks. The remarks follow Belgium's decision to grant limited visas for Taliban representatives to join migration discussions in Brussels.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — corroborated by Afghanistan International — 2 min read
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett has urged European countries not to deport Afghan migrants, citing the absolute principle of non-refoulement and the persistent risk of torture in Afghanistan.
Bennett stated that no assurances from Taliban officials can mitigate the danger, in accordance with the UN Convention against Torture. He made the comments in response to European Union measures aimed at accelerating deportations.
The statements coincide with Belgium issuing one-day visas for a Taliban delegation to attend technical talks on migration and readmission in Brussels. The meeting marks the first known Taliban presence in EU institutions since 2021.
Bennett criticized the invitation of the delegation, calling it an insult to Afghans, particularly women. Human rights groups have warned that the engagement could grant the Taliban political legitimacy.
Read the original reporting at Amu TV →
Reliability assessment
Two independent outlets corroborate core events: Bennett's public statements (directly attributable on X) and the reported EU invitation with one-day visas (supported by Belgian ministry/Reuters references). Minor variations in delegation details do not undermine verification of the underlying events and statements.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "insult to the people of Afghanistan, especially women", "sharp reactions", "grants this group political legitimacy" - these phrases introduce opinion and advocacy by framing the EU's actions negatively and amplifying critics' views as factual consequences.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has warned that any engagement between the European Union and the Taliban in Brussels would be a “serious insult” to the Afghan people
- UN Rights Expert Criticizes Planned EU–Taliban Talks in Brussels as ‘Insult’ to Afghan Womenkabulnow.com
“I endorse this statement by Volker Turk regretting a new EU regulation allowing speedy deportations,” Bennett wrote. “Respect for human rights and refugee law is imperative. Afghans must not be returned to an unsafe situation.”
- EU faces fierce criticism over plans to host Taliban in Brussels | Taliban | The Guardiantheguardian.com
A report published by the UN last year found that many Afghans who were returned to the country, most of them by Pakistan and Iran, experienced arbitrary arrest, detention, torture and ill treatment at the hands of the authorities. The finding suggests that deportations to Afghanistan could trample on the EU’s obligation, under international law, to refrain from sending people back who are at risk of facing persecution or torture.
- Richard Bennett: Meeting with the Taliban in Brussels Is an Insult to Afghan Women - Hasht-e Subh8am.media
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has said that meeting with the Taliban in Brussels would be an insult to Afghans, especially women. On Monday, June 22, Richard Bennett wrote on X that respect for human ...
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Richard Bennett issued statements on X opposing deportations of Afghans to Afghanistan due to torture risks and non-refoulement
- No diplomatic assurances from Taliban can override non-refoulement obligations
- EU/Belgium invited Taliban representatives for talks on migration and returns with one-day limited visas
- Invitation has drawn criticism from human rights groups for potentially legitimizing Taliban
Where reports differ
- Specific composition of Taliban delegation (Afghanistan International names head as Abdul Qahar Balkhi; Amu TV cites Reuters reporting five unnamed members without naming leader)
Filed by 2 outlets
Amu TV
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Afghanistan International
Framed
Framed
Filed under
International — Richard Bennett, Taliban, European Union, Afghan refugees, non-refoulement
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