ason Eskenazi Photo Essay Afghanistan

According to UNHCR, about 1.25 million refugees have returned to Afghanistan, the bulk arriving from Pakistan. Amnesty International stressed that while it supported the concept of voluntary repatriation, it was reluctant to promote refugee return at the present time. The rapid rate of return is causing overcrowding in some areas of Afghanistan. In addition, the scarcity of resources is fueling internal displacement.

"UNHCR has recently altered its position on refugee returns to Afghanistan. While stopping short of promoting voluntary repatriation, UNHCR is encouraging states to engage in 'active counseling,' including of asylum seekers, reporting that 'the time is now ripe for Afghans - wherever they are and at whatever stage they may be in the asylum process - to be offered the option of voluntary repatriation,'" said an Amnesty International report entitled "Afghanistan: Continuing Need For Protection and Standards for Return of Afghan Refugees."

"Amnesty International is concerned that UNHCR's new position reflects a preoccupation with relieving asylum systems in certain refugee receiving states, which should not be a primary consideration in working towards achieving sustainable protection and security for refugees," the report continues.

Many Afghan repatriates have resettled in areas riven by internal conflict among various armed groups. The lack of security continues to pose a problem for Afghanistan's transitional government. For example, serious clashes reportedly occurred among Pashtun and Tajik militia groups in mid July in the western province of Herat, reportedly leaving a dozen dead on both sides. Pashtuns in the region have complained about looting at the hands of Tajik fighters loyal to the regional warlord Ismail Khan.

Despite the security void, Western governments remain reluctant to expand the responsibilities of an international peacekeeping force in Afghanistan. At present, the peacekeeping force is stationed exclusively in Kabul.

While a sense of security exists in Kabul, city residents continue to face challenges as the struggle to rebuild. Photographer Jason Eskenazi recently spent time in the Afghan capital documenting the reconstruction process. A selection of his photos comprises this photo essay.