The Danish government faces internal conflict over whether to cooperate with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to repatriate Afghan criminals. The disagreement highlights the tension between tightening immigration policies and upholding human rights conventions.

The Moderates party, a member of the ruling coalition, is strongly opposing any move that would legitimize the Taliban. Mohammad Rona, the Moderates’ political spokesperson, whose family fled Afghanistan when the Taliban were emerging, has voiced strong reservations about recognizing the Taliban regime. He argues that such a move would be a “huge step backwards” and questions the Taliban’s ability to comply with international conventions, regardless of any agreements.

The debate was sparked by Germany’s consideration of a cooperation agreement with the Taliban to repatriate criminal foreigners. While the right-wing opposition in Denmark hopes to follow Germany’s lead, Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek has acknowledged the complexities, primarily because Denmark does not recognize the Taliban regime. Despite this, Bek has also stated that the government should explore the possibility if Germany can repatriate criminals while adhering to the European Convention on Human Rights and the Geneva Convention.

The situation is further complicated by Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits torture or inhuman treatment. Rona questions whether assurances can be made that repatriated individuals will not face such treatment.

The issue has personal resonance for Rona, whose parents fled the Taliban’s rise to power. He fears legitimizing the regime his family escaped and questions whether the Taliban can be trusted to uphold human rights conventions.

Currently, Afghans are among the most represented nationalities at Udrejsecenter Kærshovedgård, a center for foreigners residing in Denmark without legal permission. The case of Milad Sadiqi, an Afghan man convicted of manslaughter but unable to be deported due to the lack of cooperation with the Taliban, exemplifies the challenges Denmark faces.

While the Moderates support stricter immigration policies within the bounds of the constitution and international law, Rona has made it clear that recognizing the Taliban is a red line.