Human Rights Groups Warn EU Over Taliban Talks

Human rights organizations have warned the European Union about holding talks with the Taliban, saying the group’s human rights record remains deeply concerning.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan continues to face strong criticism from international organizations over its strict policies and treatment of women, journalists, and human rights activists.

No country has formally recognized the Taliban government because of concerns over serious human rights violations.

Human Rights Watch criticized the European Union for engaging with the Taliban despite its poor human rights record. The organization said the Taliban has restricted media freedom and detained critics and human rights activists.

It also said the Taliban has banned girls from secondary and higher education while placing severe restrictions on women’s employment and freedom of movement.

According to Human Rights Watch, there is a clear gap between the European Union’s public condemnation of the Taliban’s human rights abuses and its continued engagement with the group.

Denmark’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Christina Markus Lassen, also criticized the Taliban, saying Afghan women and girls have been pushed out of public life and their voices have been silenced.

Human rights groups say the continued criticism shows that international organizations remain firmly opposed to the Taliban’s human rights policies.