Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur for Afghanistan, on Wednesday raised concerns over reported plans by European officials to host Taliban representatives for talks on deporting Afghan migrants, warning that such returns could violate international law.
Bennett said in a post on X that any deportations risk breaching the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution.
“Reports of EU hosting Taliban officials to discuss deporting Afghans are seriously concerning,” Bennett wrote. “Any returns risk breaching the principle of non-refoulement due to widespread human rights violations including against women, human rights defenders and former public servants.”
His comments come as European Union officials weigh hosting a Taliban delegation in Brussels in the coming weeks, according to reporting by AFP, which cited diplomatic sources.
The proposed talks, which have not been formally confirmed, are expected to focus on the logistics of returning Afghan nationals without legal status in the bloc, including flight arrangements and conditions upon arrival in Kabul.
The plans have already drawn criticism from some European lawmakers. Hannah Neumann, a member of the European Parliament, said officials were “rolling out the red carpet” for the Taliban and warned against what she described as granting legitimacy to the Taliban in exchange for cooperation on deportations.
European governments have faced growing political pressure to tighten migration policies, with around 20 countries exploring ways to deport Afghan nationals, particularly those convicted of crimes. Germany has deported more than 100 Afghans since 2024, while Austria has taken similar steps.
Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 and have since imposed sweeping restrictions, particularly on women and civil society. The European Union does not formally recognize their rule, but has maintained limited engagement on humanitarian and practical matters.
Rights organizations and the United Nations refugee agency have also cautioned against forced returns to Afghanistan, citing ongoing humanitarian and human rights concerns.
