AMHRI & GICJ Expose Iran’s Record of Targeting Schools and Children
Geneva – 27 March 2026
During the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, an urgent debate requested by Iran to address the U.S. airstrike on the “Al-Shajara Al-Tayyiba” school in Minab drew significant human rights engagement. In this context, the Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration, in a joint statement with the Geneva International Centre for Justice, emphasized the imperative of protecting children and educational institutions in armed conflicts.
The statement stressed that targeting schools and educational facilities constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. It underscored the need for a unified international stance to ensure accountability and prevent impunity.
In response to Iran’s request for the urgent debate, the statement also recalled Iran’s record concerning attacks on educational institutions across several countries. It highlighted that military actions and affiliated interventions have led, according to the statement, to the destruction of approximately 7,000 schools in Syria. It also referred to incidents in Iraq, including the reported missile strike on “Balat Al-Shuhada” school during a morning assembly, resulting in numerous casualties among students.
Furthermore, the statement pointed to what it described as an ongoing campaign targeting Iraqi academics since 2003, contributing to the severe weakening of the country’s educational system.
Regarding the situation in Yemen, the statement addressed the role of the Iran-backed Houthi militia in undermining education by targeting schools, converting some into military sites, and recruiting children into armed conflict—acts that constitute serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The two organizations concluded by stressing that the protection of children and educational institutions must remain a top international priority, calling for effective accountability mechanisms to ensure that all perpetrators of such violations are held responsible, without selectivity or politicization.
Link ?: https://youtu.be/Ne7Rc1dgu5k?si=N1gCfnqW2eCmR0NJ
