UNICEF Urges Immediate Release of Children Detained After Iran Unrest

UNICEF has called for the immediate release of children reportedly detained following recent public unrest in Iran, warning that deprivation of liberty can cause lasting harm to young people and violates binding international obligations.

In a statement issued today, the UN children's agency expressed deep concern over reports that minors arrested during demonstrations remain in detention, though the exact number of children involved and the conditions they face have not been independently verified.

Call for Independent Access to Detained Children

UNICEF urged Iranian authorities to grant immediate and independent access to all detained children in order to assess their situation, treatment and well-being.

"While the number of children currently detained, or the conditions of their detention cannot be verified, we urge that immediate, independent access be granted," the agency said.

Child rights advocates note that in situations of civil unrest globally, children are often swept up in mass arrests, raising heightened concerns about due process, legal representation and protection from abuse.

Detention's Long-Term Impact on Child Development

UNICEF stressed that detention has well-documented, long-term consequences for children's mental health, cognitive development and social reintegration.

"Children are not 'little adults,' they require special care," the statement said.

Research from international child protection bodies has consistently shown that incarceration can lead to trauma, educational disruption, and increased vulnerability to exploitation and violence. Prolonged detention can also weaken family ties and hinder rehabilitation prospects.

"Deprivation of liberty entails life-lasting consequences to the development of the child, but also for the future of society overall," UNICEF warned.

International Law Obligations

Iran is a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which requires that:

• Detention of children be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time

• Children deprived of liberty be treated with humanity and dignity

• They maintain regular contact with their families

• Their legal and procedural safeguards be respected

"These are binding obligations under international law and must be upheld at all times," UNICEF said.

Call to End Child Detention

UNICEF called for an end to the detention of children "in all its forms" and urged the immediate release of minors detained in connection with the recent unrest.

The agency reiterated that governments have an obligation to respect, protect and fulfil children's rights, particularly during periods of political tension or security operations.

Human rights groups have increasingly raised concerns about the treatment of minors in situations of protest and civil unrest worldwide, emphasising that child protection standards must remain non-negotiable.

UNICEF said ensuring transparency, independent monitoring and swift family reunification would be essential steps toward safeguarding the well-being of affected children.