Reports indicate that Iran is reportedly intensifying efforts to enlist children into roles associated with its security apparatus amid escalating conflict, prompting significant alarm from multiple rights groups. These organizations are raising concerns about the safety of minors and potential violations of international law. A notice published by Defa Press, a website aligned with the Iranian defence ministry, listed duties for 'volunteers,' which Human Rights Watch described as part of a "Homeland Defending Combatants for Iran" recruitment drive. Amnesty International has reportedly verified images and witness accounts showing armed minors stationed alongside IRGC and Basij forces in several cities. Bill Van Esveld, Associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch, condemned any military recruitment drive that targets children, specifically mentioning 12-year-olds. Under international law, the recruitment or use of children under the age of 15 in armed conflict is prohibited, leading rights groups to urge Iranian authorities to immediately cease these practices and release any children already involved.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/iran-irgc-basij-recruiting-children-war-crimes-amnesty-report-10618712/
