Statement of the Special Representative on Violence against Children on Iran - " I urge the Government of Iran to end violence and harm against children and to guarantee their rights to protection and to express their views in a safe and peaceful way."

New York, 15 October 2022 - The continuing reports of children, injured, killed, and arrested amid the ongoing public unrest in Iran, is of extreme concern.

Our deepest sympathies to the parents who lost their children and our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded children.

Children victims and witnesses of violence in the streets and through media are paying a huge toll, their development, well-being, and mental health being severely and long-lasting affected.

I urge the Government of Iran to end violence and harm against children and to guarantee their rights to protection and to express their views in a safe and peaceful way.

I echo the Secretary-General’s call to the authorities to ‘refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force.’ 

Violence against children is never justifiable and is always preventable, at all times!