Herat, Afghanistan
Zahra (20) set fire to herself four years before this photo was taken.
Forced marriage, domestic violence, poverty, and lack of access to education are said to be among leading reasons for self-immolation. Conservative laws and traditions in Afghanistan place women in a subordinate position. Some women find that setting themselves alight—as a form of protest, or in attempted suicide—is the only option that seems open to them.
The people of Afghanistan have had to deal with conflict and military occupation for much of the past 50 years. Conflict and long-term instability in Afghanistan have led to personal trauma, and severe economic and infrastructural damage. Foreign aid has helped support various initiatives to improve infrastructure and education, but as occupation forces withdraw and Western economies face their own difficulties, funds to NGOs are being cut.
Les Afghans sont confrontés depuis 50 ans à des conflits et à l’occupation militaire. Les conflits et des années d’instabilité en Afghanistan ont provoqué des traumatismes individuels et sévèrement ébranlé l’économie et les infrastructures. L’aide internationale a soutenu des initiatives pour améliorer les infrastructures et l’éducation, mais le retrait des forces d’occupation et les économies occidentales en difficulté ont fait tarir les fonds des ONG.
