Upcoming Violations of the Non-Refoulement Principle for Afghans in Europe?

Upcoming Violations of the Non-Refoulement Principle for Afghans in Europe?

This blog post addresses the fear of return for Afghans already present in the European territory and the need for protection for those fleeing the current regime change in Afghanistan. Initially, it explores the seize of Kabul and the establishment of the Taliban’s government and the threats posed to specific social, ethnic, and religious groups and political opponents of the Taliban, reviewing the recent reports on the general security situation in the country. Subsequently, it analyses the legal obligation of European States not to return and provide access to asylum for those fleeing Afghanistan, safeguarding the fundamental human rights principle of non-refoulement as enshrined in the Refugee Convention, the European Convention on Human Rights and the customary law. Lastly, it explores the legality of the measures introduced by some European countries and their declared intentions, arguing that they do not comply with their obligation to provide access to Afghans for protection.