Bennett Urges Europe Not to Put Migrants at Risk by Deporting Them to Afghanistan - Khaama Press
Richard Bennett, has warned European countries against deporting Afghan migrants, saying torture and other serious human rights risks remain a reality in Afghanistan and that no assurances can eliminate those. . .
Richard Bennett, has warned European countries against deporting Afghan migrants, saying torture and other serious human rights risks remain a reality in Afghanistan and that no assurances can eliminate those dangers. In a statement, Bennett stressed that the principle of non-refoulement under the United Nations Convention Against Torture must be respected. He said diplomatic guarantees should not be used to justify returning individuals to places where there are substantial grounds to believe they could face torture or other forms of abuse. The warning comes as Reuters reported that Belgium issued one-day visas to five members of a Taliban delegation invited to Brussels for European Union discussions on migration and the return of Afghan nationals without legal residency rights. EU officials have described the planned meeting as a technical dialogue and emphasized that it does not constitute diplomatic recognition. According to Reuters, the visas are geographically restricted to Belgium and valid only for a single day. If the meeting proceeds, it would mark the first known participation of representatives from Afghanistan’s current authorities in an EU-related institution since 2021. Human rights groups and UN experts have repeatedly expressed concern over efforts to increase deportations to Afghanistan. Rights advocates argue that the country’s security, humanitarian and human rights conditions remain fragile, particularly for women, former government employees, journalists, activists and other vulnerable groups. The debate comes as several European governments seek stricter migration policies and faster deportation procedures. However, legal and human rights concerns have complicated returns to Afghanistan, where most European states lack formal diplomatic relations with the current authorities. International organizations continue to report a severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, with millions requiring assistance and widespread concerns over restrictions on fundamental rights. The UN has repeatedly called for greater protection of vulnerable Afghans while urging governments to ensure that migration policies comply with international human rights obligations.