Highly Commended
2008 Australian Human Rights Commission Photo Competition
'Dignity and justice for all of us'
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Shortlist for 18 and above
Photographer: Leanne Smith
Title: Roses in The Dust
Comments:
'This photograph records the re-opening of a girls' elementary school in Afghanistan in a remote district of Wardak Province in 2006. Although the school building is an exposed mud brick shelter that cannot stay open in the harsh winter months, and the black board is only a bullet riddled mud brick wall, its reopening by the reformist Wardak Governor in 2006 provided real hope and opportunity to the girls of this district that for the first time since the rise of the Taleban, they might be able to enjoy their right to education. Sadly since this photo was taken and security has worsened across Afghanistan, particularly in Wardak Province, it is unlikely that the girls' school remains open.