Panjao Village in Winter, 2009
The ethnic Hazara minority mainly live in the isolated and largely inaccessible Central Highlands region of Hazarajat. People living in Hazarajat experience long winters and extreme conditions. Many Afghani government politicians from came to power promising Hazarajat voters that they would ‘free them from this geographical prison’. Sadly, the promises were not kept, and the region received very few development projects.

Bamyan Sunset, 2009
Bamyan was once a thriving Buddhist city on ancient Silk Road where for centuries two giant Buddha statues, carved into the rocks, looked out across a prosperous, beautiful valley. In 2001, these ancient monuments were blown to pieces by the Taliban. Taliban also massacred hundreds of Hazaras in Bamyan. The Taliban’s return to Bamyan in 2021 has led thousands of Bamyanis to flee their hometown in fear of another massacre—the wounds, horror and terror of 2001 are yet to heal.

Students, 2006
Students from Nili, Daikundi are returning home after school. In 2006 in remote Daikundi, more than half of the students were female.

On 17 August 2021, just two days after taking control of Daikundi province, Taliban fighters beat up two young girls for being in public without their traditional dress because for they thought the girls’ clothing was not Islamic enough.

Children from Khedir District, 2007
Curious children from Dara Khudi valley of Khedir district in Daikundi province pose for a photo.
The Taliban took control of Daikundi province on 15 August 2021. On 30 August 2021, they moved into Khedir district and killed 14 people from one village. They killed 12 unarmed soldiers and two civilians, including a young girl.

Yousuf’s Family, 2007
Yousuf is from remote valley of the Miramor district and is pictured after walking for fourteen days to Nili, the provincial capital of Daikundi. A local commander confiscated his ancestral land, and he marched to Nili to lodge a complaint at court. Despite the United Nations monitoring Yousuf’s case for years, he was unable to reclaim his land. He said, ‘I brought my daughters with me because the commander could take the girls just like he took my land’.

Untitled, 2008
This Hazara girl is from a remote valley known for its natural beauty in the Central Highlands of Hazarajat, Afghanistan.

People of this valley are known for their bravery in fighting against Taliban alongside US and Australian forces. The Taliban targeted these people at every opportunity.

Now that the US and international forces have left Afghanistan, both soldiers and the ordinary people from this village are at great risk of persecution.

To protect its residents, the photographer does not identify this valley, but remains in contact with the soldiers and is working to save their lives through Australian and US humanitarian visa programs.

Girls in Rain, 2007
Young students take shelter from the rain before returning home.

After two decades of peace and freedom, the future for these young girls is absolute darkness. The Taliban have restricted girls’ education again.

Shakar Dara Students, 2008
Students from Shakar Dara valley of Daikundi province.

Women and girls enjoyed considerable freedoms in remote Daikundi province. They attended schools and were employed outside the home. In retaking this province, the Taliban have imposed strict rules limiting women’s movements and running counter to more open local tradition and customs.

Ashura Procession, 2011
Young Hazara children march in the annual Ashura procession in Daikundi Province. After generations of persecution and systematic discrimination, Afghanistan’s post 9/11 constitution acknowledged Shia as a official, legitimate branch of Islam. With this ruling, the mostly Shia Hazaras, were allowed to enjoy religious activities, such as Ashura, for the first time in their lives. The Taliban, however, regard the Shia as not being true Muslims.

Nawroz Celebration, 2009
Women celebrate Nawroz (Afghan New Year) in Bamyan. They rush to touch the sacred flag to secure blessings for the coming year. The men wait their turn outside the gates.  

The Taliban consider Nawroz to be an un-Islamic celebration. Neither do they allow women to participate in public events. Under Taliban rule, these Bamyan women will no longer be able to seek blessings from Nawroz flag.