Shayeq Kafshani, an Afghan child, appeared on stage at a ceremony in Tehran held to commemorate Ruhollah Khomeini and Ali Khamenei, delivering a speech and reciting poetry. The event has once again reignited debate over the involvement of children in political and ideological programs.
According to reports, the ceremony took place in Tehran on Thursday, June 4, during which 14-year-old Shayeq Kafshani delivered remarks expressing support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
No details have been released regarding the process through which the teenager was selected to participate in the event. However, a woman who spoke during the ceremony and was introduced as one of its organizers stated that he had been invited to attend the gathering.
During the program, Kafshani first recited a poem praising the IRGC and subsequently delivered a brief speech in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran and what he described as “the unity of the Iranian people in the face of their enemies.”
The publication of images and reports documenting the Afghan child’s participation in a political event has sparked criticism and public debate. Critics argue that the use of children in political and propaganda activities may conflict with established principles and standards designed to protect children’s rights.
Child-rights advocates and several human rights organizations have repeatedly warned in recent years against the involvement of children in political, propagandistic, security-related, and ideological activities, describing such practices as incompatible with the rights and best interests of the child.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has likewise emphasized in previous reports the importance of protecting children from political and military exploitation and has called for adherence to international obligations concerning children’s rights.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
