The death of an 11-year-old Iranian boy, reportedly killed in a strike in Tehran, has drawn renewed attention to a controversial initiative involving the recruitment of minors into security roles.
According to local reports, the boy, Alireza Jafari, was at a checkpoint with his father, assisting patrols linked to the Basij militia, when they were killed on 11 March. His mother said his father had taken him along due to a shortage of personnel at the checkpoint.
Amid this situation, an official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently announced a new program to recruit “volunteers” aged 12 and above. These recruits could be assigned duties such as patrol operations and checkpoint monitoring.
Witnesses have reported seeing teenagers, some reportedly armed, performing security roles in several cities, including Tehran, Karaj, and Rasht. Accounts describe young individuals participating in vehicle searches and nighttime patrols alongside security forces.
The Basij militia, which operates under the IRGC, is often deployed for internal security operations. In recent weeks, some checkpoints have reportedly been targeted amid rising regional tensions, though not all incidents have been independently verified.
International human rights organizations have strongly condemned the practice. Human Rights Watch has described the recruitment of minors as a serious violation of international law, particularly when children under the age of 15 are involved.
Legal experts warn that involving minors in security or military activities poses significant risks, both to the children themselves and to civilians. A lack of proper training and oversight may increase the likelihood of dangerous situations and unintended escalation.
Some analysts suggest the move may also reflect challenges faced by authorities in recruiting sufficient adult personnel, especially amid ongoing internal tensions and conflict.
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