Jafari, a fifth-grade student, lost his life while stationed at a military checkpoint on the Artesh Highway in Tehran. According to the Kurdish rights group Hengaw, the child was present at a high-risk military site during active operations. His mother mentioned in a state-affiliated interview that he was taken to the post by his father due to a severe shortage of personnel, eventually falling victim to a drone strike.
The incident coincides with recent announcements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) regarding the lowering of the recruitment age for war-related support roles to just 12 years. Official statements suggest that young volunteers are being sought for patrols and logistics under an initiative called “For Iran.” However, analysts believe this move stems from a deep manpower crisis and internal instability within the security forces.
Human rights experts describe the use of children as a cynical strategy where minors act as human shields. By placing children in harm’s way, the regime can use any resulting casualties as propaganda against its enemies. This practice is not new to Iran, as similar tactics were observed during the Iran-Iraq war and in recent crackdowns where minors were reportedly armed to face civilian protesters.
International law experts have pointed out that using children under the age of 15 for military activities can be classified as a war crime. Despite being a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child since the 1990s, Iran’s current actions suggest a blatant disregard for these international obligations. Critics argue that the regime views human lives as disposable instruments for its higher goal of maintaining power.
While the global community watches with concern, major international bodies like UNICEF have yet to issue a formal condemnation of the recruitment policy. The situation remains a stark reminder of the lengths to which the Iranian administration is willing to go to ensure its establishment remains intact, even at the cost of its youngest citizens. (Iranintl)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com