The human rights situation in Afghanistan has not improved. Yet, what is changing right now is not the Taliban’s policy, but Europe’s. Deportations and migration issues are increasingly moving to the centre of exchanges with the de facto regime. The recent visit of a Taliban delegation to Brussels shows just how far this development has gone.
My Interview
On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover, I spoke with AMU TV about the current situation in Afghanistan and Europe’s responsibility. And right now, we are failing to live up to that responsibility.
The Taliban have not kept any of their promises. They have not established an inclusive government, they do not respect human rights, and they have not made Afghanistan safer. Instead, we are witnessing the systematic persecution of women, journalists, former civil servants and all those who stood up for democracy. Their voices and needs must be at the centre of our policy, not short-term deportation deals that contribute neither to security in Germany nor to security in Afghanistan.
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More InformationNo Technical Talks with the Taliban
In parallel to the interview, the visit of a Taliban delegation to Brussels caused serious concern. The European Commission described the talks as “technical”. But there is no such thing as technical talks with the Taliban. Every invitation, every visa and every official meeting sends a political signal. The Taliban are not primarily seeking technical cooperation; they are seeking international legitimacy.
Together with colleagues from the European Parliament, the German Bundestag and former Afghan women parliamentarians, I therefore drafted an open letter
to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Our message is clear: as long as the EU’s conditions for cooperation are not met, there must be no talks in Brussels. You can sign the open letter here.
This step is particularly bitter for those who stood alongside Europe for years in the fight for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Many former journalists, judges, women’s rights activists and government officials are still waiting for visas or protection. While they are being left behind, Taliban representatives are being granted access to European capitals.
The voices of those who fought for freedom and democracy in Afghanistan must guide Europe’s decisions, not the demands of the Taliban.
