Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have lowered the minimum age for war-related support roles to 12, triggering criticism from human rights groups over the involvement of minors.
An official of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that children as young as 12 can now participate in war-related support roles under a new initiative called “For Iran.” Rahim Nadali, a cultural official in Tehran, said the minimum age was lowered in response to growing interest from younger volunteers, with roles including patrol support, checkpoints and logistics.
The move has sparked renewed concern among rights groups over the involvement of minors in security activities, especially as Iran is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which restricts such practices. Critics warn the policy could expose children to harm and blur the line between civilian and military participation.
The announcement comes amid heightened wartime tensions and follows past allegations by groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have accused Iranian authorities of abuses involving minors during protests. Observers say the development raises fresh concerns about child safety and compliance with international law.
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