European Nations and U.S. Pursue Returns of Afghan Migrants

European governments that have condemned the Taliban’s human rights record are seeking its cooperation to deport Afghan migrants, according to reports from The New York Times and Inshorts. France and the United Kingdom are among the countries considering such arrangements.

In the United States, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing its first large-scale removal flight of Afghans since the Taliban returned to power. The Independent reported that roughly 150 people could be flown from Louisiana to Pakistan, whose authorities would then send them to Afghanistan. Court filings indicate that at least one flight could depart in the first week of November, although the administration has not publicly announced the plan.

Lawyers and refugee organizations said those facing removal include relatives of Afghans who assisted U.S. forces and aid groups, as well as at least one LGBTQ+ person. Human Rights First and AfghanEvac warned that some returnees could face discrimination, imprisonment or violence under Taliban rule.

The reported deportation efforts come as the International Criminal Court pursues four senior Taliban leaders on allegations of gender persecution. The Taliban, which has imposed extensive restrictions on women and girls, rejects the court’s authority and has condemned its action.