Iran's Use of Children in Military Operations
Iranian security forces are now formally recruiting children from the age of 12 to perform auxiliary military duties, a practice raising significant alarm under international law. This activity is reportedly concentrated in the nation's capital, Tehran. The recruitment of children under 15 into national armed forces is classified as a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, making Iran's actions a direct violation of this international legal standard.
According to a report by Al Arabiya citing a statement from a representative of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the adolescents involved wear uniforms similar to those of the Basij paramilitary force and are often seen carrying automatic weapons. IRGC official Rahim Nadali stated:
'At Basij checkpoints and patrols, we had a very large number of volunteers from among the youth and adolescents who wanted to participate. Considering the age of those wishing to join, we lowered the minimum age to 12 years.' - Rahim Nadali
Human Rights Concerns
The children are reportedly tasked with operational street patrols in the capital, gathering security-related information—effectively intelligence work—and organizing and escorting vehicle convoys at night. Human rights advocates are deeply concerned, viewing the use of children in military tasks as a severe violation of their rights and a threat to their development and safety. The Basij is a volunteer militia that operates under the command of the IRGC and has been involved in domestic security and suppression of dissent.
This situation highlights the severe challenges faced by international rights defenders regarding child rights violations in Iran. Involving minors in military activities can have long-term consequences not only for their physical and mental health but also for regional stability. Amid global condemnation of such practices, it is crucial for international organizations and individual governments to take steps to protect children's rights and halt these actions.