Afghan refugees face discrimination and rights abuses under Taliban rule; EU talks spark protests over safety concerns.
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An Afghan refugee from the Hazara Shiite minority, Ali Goulami, expressed deep concern over the European Commission’s plan to invite Taliban representatives to Brussels for talks regarding the potential repatriation of Afghans to Afghanistan. He dismissed claims that the Taliban have changed as a deceptive marketing tactic, noting that while some tourists visit and portray positive images, they are careful not to harm foreign visitors. Human rights organizations describe the dire situation in Afghanistan, particularly for religious minorities and women, who face gender apartheid; Hazaras and Shiites struggle with employment and education, and women’s freedoms are severely restricted by Taliban decrees since August 2021. Activists and former officials are protesting these plans, viewing them as a betrayal of human rights values. Meanwhile, in Greece, the rejection rate for Afghan asylum applications has decreased from 97% to around 86% in the first quarter of 2026, suggesting policy tightening despite ongoing administrative detention orders against Afghans. While some European countries have begun deportations for security risks, direct repatriation is stalled due to a lack of official diplomatic relations. The Greek system faces legal pressure regarding its reliance on Turkey as a safe third country, which has become practically unviable.
