The Instrumentalization of Children Must End

We the 23 independent women’s organizations, express our deep concern over the instrumentalization of children in any form — whether through military activities, political exploitation, or even forcing them to repeat political slogans. We consider such actions a clear violation of children’s rights. Children are neither tools of war nor instruments for advancing the ideological goals of political groups, organizations, or governments. They have the right to grow up in safety, peace, and free from violence and intimidation, and any action that endangers their physical or psychological well-being must be condemned.

The killing of Alireza Jafari, an 11-year-old elementary school student, is a painful example of this reality. He reportedly lost his life after being present at a checkpoint alongside his father due to a “shortage of personnel,” and was subsequently described as a “child soldier.” This tragedy is not an isolated incident, but rather a sign of a dangerous trend toward the normalization of involving children in military structures. We regard this as a grave violation of children’s rights and a clear case of child exploitation, and we strongly condemn it.

At the same time, we emphasize that such violations are not limited to the institutions of the Islamic Republic. The use of children in political gatherings — including certain events organized by supporters of the Pahlavi movement in the diaspora, where children are encouraged to chant slogans or appear symbolically on stage — also constitutes a form of exploitation. Although the contexts may differ, in all such cases children are turned into instruments for adult political objectives, which stands in direct contradiction to the fundamental principles of children’s rights.

We stress the urgent need for immediate action to protect children. Global experience has shown that teachers, educational institutions, and civil society can play a vital role in preventing the militarization and politicization of children. Creating safe spaces, promoting peace education, and raising public awareness are among the effective measures needed in this regard.

We call for an end to all forms of child exploitation, for the strengthening of protective laws, and for international institutions to hold the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for these violations of children’s rights. Defending the rights of children is a collective and urgent responsibility that cannot be postponed.

Woman, Life, Freedom

May, 15, 2026

Signatories:

Together for Women’s Health Foundation

Free Iranian Women’s Association – Italy

Dallas Iranian Women’s Association

Iranian-German Women’s Association in Cologne, Germany

Iranian Women’s Association of Parto

Iranian Women’s Association Montreal

MeToo Movement Iran

Iranian Circle of Women for International Networking (ICWIN)

Women for Sustainable Freedom and Equality

Iranian Women Activists in Exile – Berlin

IKERO Women’s Rights Organization

IWIN Iranian Women in Network

The Organization for Emancipation of Women

Everyday Feminism

Forum of Iranian Women in Vienna

Collective of Woman, Life, Freedom – Rome

Campaign to Stop Honor Killings

Gender Equality Committee of Solidarity of Iranian Republicans

Left Unity of Women

Zanan Group in Northern California

Orange County Women’s Study Group

Mannav LGBTQ Community – Sweden

Iranian Women’s Assembly in Hanover