As schools reopen across Iran on September 23, 2026 (1 Mehr 1405), millions of children return to their classrooms. However, more than 560 desks will remain permanently empty this academic year. Specifically, these missing students lost their lives in political repression, state violence, and recent military conflict. Check out our [Internal Link: Latest news on human rights in Iran] to read more about state violence against minors and regional conflict impacts.
State Violence and Uprisings Claim Hundreds of Young Lives
The loss of school-aged children in Iran stems from consecutive waves of domestic violence and military escalation:
Woman, Life, Freedom Uprising (2022): Security forces killed at least 68 children during the 2022 protests. Furthermore, the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission confirmed that authorities used lethal force against child protesters.
National Protests (December 2025 – January 2026): According to the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, at least 200 students were killed during renewed national protests.
Recent Military Conflicts: Official figures from the Ministry of Education confirm that war took an even heavier toll. Specifically, 34 students died during the 12-Day War, while 277 students perished in the subsequent 40-Day War.
Crucially, these numbers represent over 311 children killed in military strikes alone.
A Devastating Absence on the First Day of School
Whether killed in street crackdowns or military bombardments, these children shared one thing in common. Indeed, none of them played a role in the political and military decisions that cut their lives short. Consequently, the start of the new academic year serves as a painful reminder of stolen childhoods for hundreds of grieving families. Ultimately, civil rights advocates emphasize that children must never pay the price for war and political repression.To explore related human rights documentation, visit our news section.
