Thursday briefing: Why EU-Taliban talks have sparked outrage among Afghan women
Summary
EU officials held talks with the Taliban in Brussels to discuss increasing deportations of Afghan migrants. The meeting caused strong anger among Afghan women and human rights groups, who see it as giving legitimacy to a regime that severely restricts women's rights.Key Facts
- The talks focused on deporting Afghans without legal residence permits in the EU.
- Many Afghan women feel the meeting is a betrayal because the Taliban restricts their rights, such as banning schooling past age 11 and excluding them from work and public life.
- The European Parliament has condemned the persecution of Afghan women and girls in recent resolutions.
- The European Commission said deportations would focus on those seen as security threats, but the invitation to the Taliban mentioned all Afghans without legal status.
- There were protests and criticism from human rights groups against the EU for engaging with the Taliban.
- The rise of right-wing politicians in the European Parliament is linked to tougher migration policies and has influenced this approach.
- The Taliban regained control in Afghanistan in 2021 after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, leading to worsening conditions for women.
- The EU received about 1 million asylum claims from member states in recent years, including many from Afghans.
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