The event, hosted by the State Welfare Organization of Iran under the slogan “Children’s Smiles, the Alphabet of the Homeland,” was attended by Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini, Head of the State Welfare Organization, Askar Jalalian, Deputy Minister of Justice for Human Rights and International Affairs, and other senior officials.
International Apathy in the Face of Atrocities
Askar Jalalian, who also serves as the Secretary of the National Authority for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, sharply criticized international bodies for their inadequate response to recent escalations of violence. He noted that Article 38 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child—which mandates the protection of children in armed conflict—has been repeatedly violated during recent conflicts.
“The international community has failed to take proportionate action to protect children in these crises,” Jalalian stated, referencing attacks on educational facilities as grave war crimes. He specifically highlighted the tragic incident involving a school in Minab, noting that investigations have attributed responsibility to U.S. actions, classifying the attack as a war crime. Jalalian emphasized that while condemnation is necessary, it remains insufficient without global mobilization to create real sensitivity and urgency regarding the protection of children.
Legislative Commitments and Domestic Standards
Addressing the legal framework, Jalalian emphasized that Iran is committed to international standards but maintains robust domestic regulations. He noted that while Iran has already acceded to protocols regarding the exploitation of children, the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict is currently under review by the Iranian Parliament.
“As a legal scholar and the Secretary of the National Authority for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, I believe that the Iranian legal system’s regulations regarding the prevention of child involvement in armed conflict are, in many aspects, stronger and more advanced than international protocols,” Jalalian asserted. He expressed hope for the swift ratification of the pending protocol.
From Emotional Support to Legal Obligation
The panel highlighted a critical shift in Iran’s approach to child welfare. Officials emphasized that protecting children must move beyond “emotional” or “political” approaches and be treated as a binding “legal and managerial” duty.
Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini and other speakers stressed that the protection of children is a collective responsibility. Whether through government agencies, civil society organizations, or individual citizens, the protection of children requires national synergy. They argued that social vulnerabilities are dynamic and evolving, meaning that no single organization—regardless of its resources—can manage them alone. Effective protection requires a systemic, inter-agency, and participatory approach to ensure the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable members of society.
About the State Welfare Organization of Iran
The State Welfare Organization of Iran is the primary government body responsible for social protection, rehabilitation, and the support of vulnerable populations, including children, persons with disabilities, and families in need.
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Media Contact:
Public Relations and International Affairs Office
State Welfare Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran
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