Girls in the Shadow of Restrictions
In Iran, children—especially girls—face widespread violations of fundamental rights. Compulsory hijab, child marriage from an early age, marriage of girls under 13 with court permission, and legal discrimination in custody and divorce are among the major challenges. Children are also exposed to domestic violence, physical punishment, abuse, and violence, leading to conditions with severe psychological and physical consequences, including school dropout and the risk of perpetuating cycles of harm.
These circumstances reflect violations of children’s and girls’ rights and are inconsistent with Iran’s international obligations, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
According to reports from Iran’s Statistical Center
- In 1401, about 35,000 girls under the age of 15 were married, and 1,392 births were registered to mothers under 15.
- During this period, 138,000 girls and 33,000 boys aged 15 to 19 were married, accounting for approximately 534,000 registered marriages in total.
- Additionally, 15,850 girls under 19 gave birth, and 64,633 children were registered as born to mothers aged 15 to 19.
These statistics show that child marriage has irreparable physical, psychological, and social consequences in Iran, and in some cases, victims lose their lives through honor killings or suicide.
Based on independent reports
From 2020 to the end of 2025, at least 176 women were killed in Iran, with at least 35 cases recorded as “honor killings.”
In September 2025 alone, 12 murder cases were reported, most of which were committed by family members.
Human rights organizations report that many of these killings are not officially reported, and state media often classify them as “family disputes.”
This concealment of violence prevents immediate and effective intervention and highlights the urgent need for addressing gender-based violence and strengthening protections for women and girls.
These killings are often accompanied by use of firearms or cold weapons, severe beatings, and dismemberment of bodies. In some cases, children were witnesses or victims.
Tehran Province has the highest number of cases, followed by Kermanshah, Fars, Kerman, Khorasan Razavi, East Azerbaijan, and North Khorasan.
Reasons for the killing of girls under 18
• Forced marriage and child marriage
• Rape and honor killing
• Domestic and family violence
• Family disputes and financial problems
• Abuse and exploitation of children
• Lack of adequate legal and social protection
• Sexual assault and murder of girls
Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Article 19: Prohibition of violence
• Article 28: Right to education
• Article 12: Freedom and participation of the child
Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women
• Article 16: Prohibition of marriage under 18
• Article 3 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Defense of the Rights of Child and Adolescent Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
