Deep Concern Regarding EU Engagement with Taliban Representatives on Afghan Returns

Ms. Kaja Kallas
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
European External Action Service (EEAS)
Brussels, Belgium

Subject: Deep Concern Regarding EU Engagement with Taliban Representatives on Afghan Returns

Reference: FAROE2026A008

Heerlen, 15 Jun 2026

Dear Ms. Kallas,,

On behalf of the Federation of Afghan Resident Organizations in Europe (FAROE), we wish to express our profound concern regarding reports that representatives of the European Commission and participating European governments have invited officials of the Taliban administration to Brussels for discussions concerning the return and readmission of Afghan nationals from European countries.

We understand that these discussions are being presented as technical talks on migration and return procedures. Nevertheless, any formal engagement with Taliban representatives on matters involving the future of Afghan refugees raises serious political, legal, and ethical concerns.

The Taliban remain an unrecognized regime that has systematically violated the fundamental rights of the Afghan people. Since their return to power, women and girls have been deprived of education, employment, freedom of movement, and participation in public life. Human rights defenders, journalists, ethnic and religious minorities, former government employees, and civil society activists continue to face persecution and intimidation. The United Nations and numerous international human rights organizations have repeatedly documented these violations.

Against this backdrop, discussions aimed at facilitating the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan are deeply troubling. Such engagement risks creating the impression that conditions in Afghanistan are suitable for return, when in reality the country remains affected by severe human rights abuses, widespread poverty, insecurity, and the absence of legal protections.

We are equally concerned that official meetings with Taliban representatives may contribute to the gradual normalization and legitimization of a regime whose policies fundamentally contradict the values upon which the European Union is founded. This concern is particularly significant in light of the recent European Parliament resolution condemning the Taliban’s institutionalized discrimination against women and girls and calling for continued non-recognition of the regime.

FAROE respectfully urges the European Union and its Member States to:

1. Refrain from any cooperation that could facilitate the forced return of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers to Afghanistan.
2. Ensure that all policies concerning Afghan nationals fully comply with international refugee law, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the principle of non-refoulement.
3. Avoid actions that may be interpreted as political recognition or normalization of the Taliban regime.
4. Consult Afghan civil society organizations, human rights defenders, women’s groups, and diaspora representatives when developing policies related to Afghanistan and Afghan refugees.
5. Maintain a principled human rights-based approach toward Afghanistan and continue supporting the Afghan people without legitimizing their oppressors.

At a time when millions of Afghans continue to suffer under systematic repression, Europe’s commitment to human rights, democracy, and human dignity must remain unwavering. We respectfully call upon the European Union to ensure that its migration policies do not compromise these fundamental principles.

We thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and remain available for constructive dialogue.

Yours sincerely,

Ali Daliry

Chairperson of FAROE

The Federation of Afghan Resident Organizations in Europe (FAROE)

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