The decision by European Union officials to hold talks with the Taliban on scaling up deportations of Afghan migrants has provoked widespread outrage among Afghan women, who describe it as a profound betrayal. The meeting, which took place in Brussels on Tuesday, focused on how to increase the return of Afghans without legal residence permits, sparking accusations that the EU is prioritizing anti-immigration rhetoric over human rights.
Outrage and Disbelief
Afghan women reacted with fury and disbelief to the news of the EU-Taliban meeting. Zahra Nader, editor-in-chief of Zan Times, a newsroom-in-exile, said: "It is indeed a slap in the faces of Afghan women. The EU is telling us that our suffering, being stripped of our most basic rights for five years now, doesn't amount to anything." The meeting comes amid rising anti-immigration sentiment across Europe, with a record number of right-wing MEPs elected in 2024.
According to EU data, member states received about 1 million asylum applications from Afghans between 2013 and 2024, with roughly half approved. Although numbers have fallen since 2022, Afghans still made up the highest number of applicants last year, many fleeing after the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
EU Migration Policy Hardening
The shift in dealing with the Taliban is part of a broader hardening of EU migration policy. In June, the European Parliament passed updates to the EU migration and asylum pact, which human rights organizations warn could facilitate detention and offshore return practices. Ashifa Kassam, European community affairs correspondent, noted: "International law states that asylum cases must be considered individually, but what you saw there was a group rejection."
EU officials have insisted the meeting does not amount to recognition of the Taliban. However, critics argue that hosting a meeting in Brussels and issuing visas inevitably legitimizes the regime. The Taliban delegation leader said discussions included possible resumptions of consular services.
Humanitarian Crisis
Afghanistan is in the grip of a humanitarian crisis, with about 40% of the population affected by hunger. A UN report last year found that many Afghans returned to the country experienced arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture. Ashifa Kassam questioned: "What happens if we send people back to this country that is not in any kind of shape to be receiving them?"
Afghan women have faced increasing oppression since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, including no schooling beyond age 11, exclusion from jobs and public spaces, and a brutal marriage law. The European Parliament had previously passed resolutions condemning the systematic persecution of Afghan women and girls.
Reactions and Consequences
The meeting has been condemned by human rights campaigners and Afghan women's groups. Zahra Nader added: "It is a complete disregard for human rights, and it is especially painful coming from countries that claim to champion women’s rights when it’s convenient." The EU stands accused of allowing far-right anti-immigration rhetoric to set its policy agenda, putting lives in danger.
There has been no official readout of the meeting, even the venue was kept secret. However, the normalization of the Taliban through such engagements raises concerns for diaspora communities and the safety of Afghan women and girls.
