Iranian children to be recruited for Islamic Republic’s ‘self-sacrifice’ campaign

Iran will recruit children under 15 for the Janfada (self-sacrifice) campaign, offering military training despite international prohibitions on child soldier recruitment. The campaign's spokesperson confirmed the plan, which includes training in weapons, drones, and surveillance, and acknowledged international criticism.

Iran is set to recruit children under the age of 15 for the Islamic Republic's Janfada (self-sacrifice) campaign, a program that offers military training to civilians. The campaign's spokesperson, Sasan Zare, confirmed the plan to the Iranian Labour News Agency, stating that special training appropriate for younger ages will be arranged due to high demand. Only male children will be trained, while women must wait until age 18. This recruitment violates international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit recruiting minors under 15. Iran has previously admitted to recruiting children as young as 12, and an 11-year-old was killed at a military checkpoint in March. Military training is set to begin in Tehran this week, including at Imam Hussein Square, which will be converted into a military training camp. Participants will be trained in local security, war preparations, surveillance, drone operation, and shoulder-launched weapons. Zare claimed 31 million Iranians have enlisted, with 26% signing up for military duties. The campaign's slogan is "We have one life, and we give it for Iran," which has drawn international criticism.