EU-Taliban Meeting Stirs Human Rights Debate

The European Commission is arranging a meeting with Taliban officials in Brussels to discuss the deportation of some Afghan migrants, sparking criticism from human rights groups concerned about potentially endangering Afghans and violating EU values.

According to Commission spokesman Markus Lammert, the meeting is being coordinated with Sweden following requests from other member states. Although no date has been set, Lammert emphasized that the focus is on returning those posing a security threat, without implying EU recognition of the Taliban government.

Human rights organizations argue that engaging the Taliban on migration issues could undermine EU principles, calling for the protection of Afghan refugees ahead of deportations. Critics highlight the risk of persecution in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and the erosion of rights since the Taliban's return to power.

(With inputs from agencies.)