Norway’s Embassy Transfer To Taliban Raises Mental Health Concerns For Afghan Refugees
Several Afghan civil society groups have written to the Norwegian government protesting the handover of Afghanistan’s embassy in Oslo to the Taliban.
Several Afghan civil society groups have written to the Norwegian government protesting the handover of Afghanistan’s embassy in Oslo to the Taliban.
They argue the move violates Norway’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The letter states that this decision contradicts Norway’s international commitments. It also damages the trust and mental well-being of thousands of Afghan refugees living in the country.
On 20 March, Afghanistan International reported that Norway’s Foreign Ministry had recognised Najibullah Sherkhan, a Taliban diplomat, as First Secretary at the Afghan embassy in Oslo. This came despite the embassy’s official closure.
According to a letter from the ministry, Sherkhan was granted a one-year diplomatic residence permit. The document shows his appointment was accepted on 31 January 2025, following a request from the embassy. He has been advised to apply for an extension at least a month before it expires.
The day after this news, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry announced that consular services would resume at the embassy in Oslo on 24 March. It described this step as a positive development and posted the update on its official X account.
A Taliban official claimed Norway’s decision reflected growing normalisation of the group’s ties with Western countries.
The decision has triggered protests from 33 Afghan civil society and women’s rights groups. In a letter obtained by Afghanistan International, these organisations warned that allowing Taliban representatives to operate—under the guise of providing administrative services—would help legitimise the group internationally.
They called on the Norwegian government to create an alternative system for providing consular services to Afghan refugees. The groups also urged Norwegian officials to include the voices of Afghan women, civil society organisations, and the Afghan diaspora in decisions related to Afghanistan.
Previously, Norwegian officials have criticised the Taliban’s repression and restrictions on women in Afghanistan.
