Taliban
The European Commission held talks with representatives appointed by the Taliban about returns to Afghanistan. Yet, its subsequent briefing to the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs raised more questions than it answered, particularly about the protection of Afghans living in Europe.
Women and girls in Afghanistan are being systematically stripped of their rights. Yet, the EU wants to invite Taliban representatives to Brussels to talk about deportations. In my speech in the European Parliament, I sharply criticised this approach and called on the Commission to withdraw the invitation.
After the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan, the European Parliament debated the country’s humanitarian situation. This is not merely the result of a natural disaster — it is the outcome of deliberate oppression by the Taliban.
More than 700,000 Afghans have already been deported from Iran in 2025 – many of them without documents, without protection, directly into the hands of the Taliban. A violation of international law.
The European Court of Justice confirmed last year that the systematic oppression of women by the Taliban constitutes persecution under asylum law. Why Member States fail to implement:
Screening of The Sharp Edge of Peace at the European Parliament: The film follows four Afghan women—Fatima Gailani, Fawzia Koofi, Habiba Sarabi, and Sharifa Zurmati — in their courageous peace negotiations with the Taliban, showing their relentless fight for peace and justice under challenging circumstances.
The resolution passed by the European Parliament in response to the Taliban’s adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”.
Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, the focus of the media has shifted again. However, we need to take action to protect those resisting their oppression on the ground.