Iran accused of recruiting children as young as 12 amid ongoing US conflict, says Amnesty International

The ongoing US-Iran conflict has drawn sharp criticism after Human Rights Organisation, Amnesty International, in a report released on April 2, alleged that Iran is recruiting children as young as 12 to support its military efforts. The report refers to a campaign announced by Rahim Nadali, a deputy in the IRGC’s Mohammad Rasoul Allah Corps of Greater Tehran, titled ‘Homeland-Defending Combatants for Iran’.

According to the report, the initiative seeks volunteers aged 12 and above to join the Basij forces. Iranian outlet Defapress quoted Nadali as saying that interested individuals can register at Basij bases located in mosques across Tehran by completing a form. He also noted that additional registration points would be set up in busy public areas, including city squares frequented by pro-Hezbollah supporters.

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Concerns over child safety and legality

Amnesty International has termed the alleged recruitment of minors a serious violation of international law. Erika Guevara-Rosas, senior director for research, advocacy, policy and campaigns at Amnesty International, said, “As US and Israeli strikes hit thousands of IRGC sites, including Basij facilities, across the country, including through drone attacks targeting security patrols and checkpoints, the deployment of child soldiers alongside IRGC personnel or in their facilities puts them at grave risk of death and injury. Iranian authorities must immediately stop their criminal assault on children’s rights and prohibit the recruitment of anyone under 18 by the armed forces.”

The report also highlights the death of 11-year-old Alireza Jafari, who was reportedly killed while accompanying his father, a Basij member, at a checkpoint. His mother stated that her husband had taken the child along due to a lack of personnel. Witness accounts cited in the report claim that children under 16 have been seen manning checkpoints.

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Understanding the Basij structure

Under Iran’s IRGC Recruitment Regulations Law, personnel are divided into official guards and Basij members. While official guards serve as the main fighting force, Basij members take on supporting roles during shortages. These include patrolling, managing checkpoints, logistics, and assisting with food, medical aid, and relief work.

Basij members are further categorised into ordinary, active, and special groups. Children aged 12 to 15 fall under ordinary members. Those aged 15 and above may qualify as active members, while individuals aged 16 and older can become special members after training and full-time commitment.

The report reiterates that under customary international humanitarian law, recruiting or using children under 15 in armed conflict is considered a war crime.