Middle East

UN Slams Iran’s Cruelty Towards Kids: It’s Time to Put an End!

As the number of children reportedly killed by Iranian security forces in relation to ongoing protests rises to at least 23, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child issued a statement on Monday condemning the killings, noting that hundreds more have been injured, detained and tortured during the Government crackdown.

Committee members urged authorities to stop all violence against children, which is a clear violation of their rights, including the right to protest peacefully.

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The nationwide protest movement began a month ago, following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who died after being arrested by Iran’s so-called morality police, for violating strict dress codes relating to her hijab.

Many of the videos which have gone viral from Iran, despite a crackdown on the domestic internet, show young women risking their lives in the street or in classrooms, defying authorities with protest chants criticizing clerical leaders.

Shot and beaten

Among the dead are a boy aged 11, and according to reliable witnesses, some children were shot with live ammunition, while others died after being beaten.

“Many families reported that, despite grieving for the loss of a child, they were pressured to absolve security forces by declaring that their children had committed suicide and making false confessions”, said the statement.

The Committee is also deeply concerned at reports that children have been arrested in schools and detained together with adults, and that some have been tortured.

Forced re-education

The Ministry of Education announced last week that children arrested were being transferred to psychological centres “for correction and education to prevent them from becoming anti-social characters”, and there have been multiple reports of retaliatory expulsions of many high school students, the Committee said.

We strongly urge Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations, particularly those under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This begins with the fundamental obligation to protect children’s right to life under any circumstances.”

Committee members also stressed that Iran was obliged to respect and protect children’s rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

Right to be heard

“Many children, including many girls, are protesting to make their opinions known on issues that matter to them. Their right to be heard should not be stifled by any level of force.

“The Committee strongly urges Iran to cease the use of force against peaceful protests and protect the children participating in peaceful demonstrations.”

And members also called for thorough investigations into any grave violations of children’s rights, to be carried out “by competent, independent and impartial authorities” with a view to prosecuting anyone found responsible.

“The Committee on the Rights of the Child will continue to closely monitor the situation in Iran and liaise with other relevant human rights bodies to bring an end to the grave violations of the rights of Iranian children.”

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13 Comments

  1. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the atrocities committed against these innocent children in Iran. The UN’s condemnation is a step in the right direction, but more action is urgently needed to protect the rights of these young lives at risk.

  2. It is heartbreaking to hear about the atrocities committed against innocent children in Iran. Every child deserves to be safe and protected. The violations of their rights must come to an end immediately.

  3. As a parent myself, it breaks my heart to hear about these senseless killings of children in Iran. It’s truly horrifying to think of the trauma these families must be going through. The international community needs to step up and take action to protect the rights of these innocent young lives.

  4. As the situation deteriorates in Iran, it’s heartbreaking to hear about the violence inflicted on innocent children. The authorities must be held accountable for their actions, and it’s essential to prioritize the safety and rights of these vulnerable individuals.

  5. It’s truly heartbreaking to read about the atrocities being committed against innocent children in Iran. The violence and brutality they are facing need to be condemned and stopped immediately. No child should ever have to fear for their life or face such cruel treatment. The UN must take strong action to protect these children and ensure their rights are respected.

  6. In light of the alarming news coming out of Iran, it is truly distressing to hear about the heinous acts committed against innocent children. It is high time for the international community to step in and demand justice for these young lives lost. My heart aches for the families affected by such atrocities.

  7. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about the inhumane treatment of children in Iran. The authorities should immediately cease the violence and respect the rights of these innocent young souls. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their children in such tragic circumstances.

  8. As a human rights advocate, I am appalled by the heinous acts committed by Iranian security forces against innocent children. It is imperative that we hold the authorities accountable and put an end to this brutality immediately.

  9. As the situation in Iran continues to escalate and the number of innocent children killed rises, it’s crucial for international organizations to take a firm stand against this violence. The rights of children must be protected, and the authorities in Iran must be held accountable for their actions.

  10. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the children who have been killed, injured, and tortured during the protests in Iran. The authorities must be held accountable for their actions and put an end to this cruelty. Children have the right to protest peacefully without fear of violence.

  11. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about the cruelty Iranian children are facing. The government must be held accountable for their actions and the violence against children must end immediately. Every child deserves the right to protest peacefully without fear of harm.

  12. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about the horrific acts committed against these innocent children in Iran. The authorities must be held accountable and justice must be served for the victims. We need to raise awareness and take action to protect the rights of these vulnerable individuals who deserve to live without fear or violence.

  13. How can such brutality be justified towards innocent children? When will Iran’s government take responsibility for these heinous acts?

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