Iran expands war effort with child recruitment, HRW warns | DW News
April 1, 2026
DW News
Human Rights Watch says Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is recruiting children as young as 12 for roles linked to the conflict, including checkpoint duties, patrols and other support activities. The rights group warns that placing minors at or near military sites exposes them to serious risk, particularly as Iran faces sustained strikes from the United States and Israel.
Under international law, the recruitment of children under the age of 15 could constitute a war crime. In this DW analysis, we examine the risks facing these children and the legal implications of their involvement. We speak to Bill Van Esveld, Associate Director of the Children’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, about how widespread the recruitment is, whether “support roles” reduce legal responsibility, and what accountability mechanisms may apply. Chapters: 0:00 Iran accused of recruiting children 0:39 Interview with Bill Van Esveld (HRW) 0:57 How widespread is recruitment? 2:04 Do “support roles” matter legally? 3:04 Are children directly in hostilities? 4:03 Risks from ongoing strikes 6:22 Is this really voluntary? 8:19 What can be done? For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1 #iran #irgc #children #dwnews
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