Summary
Reports and eyewitness accounts indicate that Iran is using children in security roles. An 11-year-old boy reportedly died in an airstrike while involved in such activities. Human rights organizations and witnesses have noted the presence of children in these roles in various Iranian cities.
Key Facts
- An 11-year-old Iranian boy, Alireza Jafari, died in an airstrike while helping at a security checkpoint in Tehran.
- The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) plans to recruit volunteers as young as 12 years old for security duties.
- Witnesses reported seeing armed children and teenagers at checkpoints in Tehran and other cities.
- Human rights groups outside Iran have confirmed reports about the use of children in these roles.
- The Basij, a volunteer militia in Iran, is linked to the recruitment of children for security tasks.
- Eyewitnesses noted the deployment of children in security duties despite a government-imposed internet outage in Iran.
- Reports suggest that Israeli drone strikes targeted areas with Basij checkpoints.
- The issue has raised concerns about the safety and rights of children involved in these activities.
