The agency said approximately 180 children have reportedly been killed, with many more injured, as schools and hospitals continue to come under fire.
Among the dead are 168 girls killed when the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, was hit during lessons on February 28. Most of the victims were aged between seven and twelve. UNICEF said a further 12 children were killed in strikes on schools in five other locations across the country.
“These child casualties are a stark reminder of the brutality of war and violence on children, which impacts families and communities for generations,” the agency said in a statement.
UNICEF stressed that children and schools are protected under international humanitarian law and must remain safe spaces even during conflict. The agency warned that as military strikes continue across the region, the threat to children is growing, both from direct violence and from the destruction of essential civilian infrastructure.
At least 20 schools and 10 hospitals have reportedly been damaged in Iran since the escalation began, disrupting access to education and critical health services for thousands of children.
“UNICEF urgently calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law, and to ensure the protection of civilians,” the statement said. “Under international humanitarian law, the lives and well-being of children must always be protected.”
The organisation said it is closely monitoring developments and stands ready to support humanitarian efforts to assist affected children and families.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
