Overview

• Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced his plan to negotiate directly with the Taliban to deport convicted Afghan criminals.
• Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated that all necessary steps for a permanent return mechanism are under review while affirming that Germany does not recognize the Taliban government.
• SPD vice chair Sonja Eichwerde warned that direct contacts risk legitimizing a regime accused of systematic human rights violations.
• Human rights bodies and UN officials have cautioned that deportees could face torture and repression upon return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
• Dobrindt has scheduled an international migration conference on July 18 to advocate for a coordinated tougher EU policy on returns.