The Instrumental Use of Children as Human Shields
Over the past four decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly made children victims of its crises and security policies, from the Iran–Iraq War to the suppression of public protests. During the protests of Dey 1404 (December 2025–January 2026), more than 230 children were killed and thousands were detained. At the same time, many children were reportedly used as part of the forces involved in suppressing demonstrations.
Documented reports indicate that children have even been present at security and military checkpoints while wearing military uniforms and carrying weapons. One of these victims was Mohammad Amin Saberkar, a 17-year-old student from Bushehr, who lost his life on 23 Ordibehesht 1405 (May 2026) after being struck by a stray bullet during military training at a Basij base in the village of Abkesh, Deir County.
On 3 Khordad 1405 (May 2026), a program titled “Dispatch to the Front” was held in Hamadan, where children were presented with military uniforms, weapons, and wartime symbols. Child rights experts warned that exposing children to such environments can normalize violence, cause long-term psychological harm, weaken their sense of security, and foster militaristic attitudes, all of which conflict with the principles of healthy child development and the best interests of the child.
The Islamic Republic annually sends hundreds of thousands of students on Rahian-e Noor (“Travelers of Light”) tours to former war zones and military centers. These trips, usually organized with the cooperation of the Basij, Revolutionary Guard–affiliated institutions, and the Ministry of Education, are intended to promote military culture and ideology.
According to official announcements by the IRGC, more than 280,000 students participated in Rahian-e Noor camps in 1402 (2023–2024). State media later reported that the figure exceeded 500,000 students during the 1403 academic year. In the 1404 academic year, the Deputy Minister of Education announced plans to send an additional 300,000 students, although no complete official report has been published regarding this program in light of the security situation, protests, and war.
20 Esfand 1404 (March 2026):
Alireza Jafari, an 11-year-old boy, was present with his father at one of Tehran’s inspection checkpoints and was killed during a pedestrian attack. His mother later stated that, due to a shortage of personnel, his father had been compelled to bring his son with him. Reports have also emerged of the presence of teenagers aged 16 and 17 in Basij patrol units.
Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Article 3: The best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children.
- Article 19: Protection of children from abuse and violence.
- Article 38: Prohibition of the involvement of children in armed conflict.
UNESCO 2030 Agenda
Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Defense of the Rights of Child and Adolescent Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
