The UNICEF has called for the immediate release of children detained during the recent public unrest in Iran, voicing serious concern over reports that minors arrested in connection with protests remain in custody. The demonstrations, which began in late December 2025, were triggered by soaring inflation, rising food prices and the collapse of the national currency, and were met with a widespread and reportedly deadly security crackdown.
In a public statement, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa expressed deep concern about the continued detention of children and urged authorities to grant immediate and independent access to assess their conditions, treatment and well-being. While the precise number of detained minors and the circumstances of their detention could not be independently verified, the agency stressed the urgency of ensuring their protection and safeguarding their rights.
UNICEF highlighted the well-documented negative effects of detention on children, underscoring that deprivation of liberty can have long-term consequences for a child’s development and for society as a whole. The agency reiterated that children deprived of liberty must be treated with humanity and dignity and allowed to maintain regular contact with their families, in accordance with binding international legal standards.
The organisation further reminded authorities that Iran is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which obligates States to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights. UNICEF called for an end to the detention of children in all forms and urged their immediate release following the unrest.
At the same time, the United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over rising regional tensions, including increased military activity in the Persian Gulf. The UN has encouraged continued dialogue between Iran and the United States, with discussions facilitated by Oman, as part of broader efforts to promote stability and de-escalation in the region.
