Iran launches recruitment of boys aged 12-15 for self-sacrifice militia training
Iran has begun a drive to enlist boys between 12 and 15 in its “self-sacrifice” program, teaching them basic security and combat skills.
Iran announced a new recruitment push targeting boys aged 12 to 15 as part of its Janfada “self-sacrifice” campaign, according to spokesperson Sasan Zare. Training slated to begin this week will cover local security tasks, basic war preparation, observation, surveillance, intelligence gathering, drone piloting and the use of shoulder-mounted weapons. The Basij volunteer militia, which previously suppressed protests, will oversee the program.
Zare claimed that roughly 31 million Iranians have joined the campaign, with about a quarter engaged in military or security duties. International humanitarian law forbids recruiting minors under 15, and Amnesty International has documented child soldiers at IRGC checkpoints, including the death of 11-year-old Alireza Jafari, whose family said a personnel shortage prompted his deployment.
Why it matters
The enlistment of children in armed training raises serious human-rights concerns and contravenes international law.
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