Islamic Republic of Iran Accused of Using Child Soldiers as Young as 12 in Military Activities

April 2026

Serious concerns have been raised by human rights observers regarding the alleged use of children as young as 12 years old by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran.

According to multiple reports and recent statements broadcast on Iranian state television, a senior IRGC official, Rahim Nadali, publicly stated that children aged 12 and above are eligible to be recruited to assist the force. This announcement has sparked widespread alarm among international human rights advocates, who warn that such practices may constitute a violation of international law.

Child Casualty Raises Alarm

The issue gained renewed urgency following the reported death of a 12-year-old child at a military checkpoint. The child, whose father was reportedly affiliated with the IRGC, was allegedly taken to the checkpoint by his parent and subsequently killed during an incident. Details surrounding the event remain unclear, but the case has intensified scrutiny of the role of minors in security operations.

Allegations of Systematic Recruitment

Human rights groups allege that the IRGC has engaged in systematic efforts to recruit minors. These efforts reportedly include:

Targeting vulnerable populations, particularly children from low-income families

Offering financial incentives or economic support to families in exchange for enlistment

Collaborating with state welfare institutions, including Iran’s Welfare Organization, to recruit orphaned or unaccompanied children

There are also disturbing claims that children have been used as human shields in high-risk situations, placing them directly in harm’s way during military or security operations.

International Legal Concerns

The recruitment and use of children under the age of 15 in armed forces or hostilities is prohibited under international humanitarian law, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

Human rights advocates argue that even the recruitment of individuals under 18 raises serious ethical and legal concerns, particularly when coercion, poverty, or lack of guardianship are factors.

Calls for Accountability

International organizations and rights groups are calling for:

• Independent investigations into these allegations

• Immediate cessation of child recruitment practices

• Greater transparency from Iranian authorities

• Protection mechanisms for vulnerable children

The situation highlights broader concerns about the protection of children in conflict and militarized environments, and underscores the urgent need for international oversight and accountability.