To the Belgian Government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We, the undersigned, call on the Belgian government not to engage in official talks with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

Although the Belgian government has stated that such talks would concern the deportation of criminals and rejected asylum seekers, this step would in practice serve as a form of recognition for a group that continues to violate human rights on a massive scale.. The Taliban took over the Afghan government by force, not through elections, and they have shown no intention of organizing democratic elections in the future.

Why this matters
Since their takeover in 2021 by force, the Taliban have:

• Banned girls and women from secondary schools and universities;
• Severely restricted basic freedoms, including freedom of speech, movement, and assembly;
• Carried out extrajudicial punishments and persecution of minorities, journalists, and former government employees. 

Entering negotiations with such a regime — even on limited topics — risks:

• Legitimizing the Taliban as an official government in the eyes of the world;
• Encouraging propaganda that the Taliban are recognized internationally;
• Increasing pressure and danger on Afghan citizens, especially women and activists, who will be further silenced.

Our request

We urge Belgium to:

• Refrain from any direct or indirect official talks with Taliban representatives;
• Work with international organizations such as the United Nations to address refugee and deportation issues through safe, humanitarian mechanisms;
• Continue supporting Afghan human rights defenders, women, and refugees who 
  seek protection from Taliban persecution.  

Belgium has long been a defender of human rights, democracy, and gender equality. Standing firm against the Taliban’s oppressive regime would demonstrate true leadership and solidarity with the Afghan people.

Sign this petition to call on Belgium to stand with the Afghan people — not their oppressors.