International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and fundamental human rights instruments were established to protect civilians—especially children—during armed conflicts. These rules are built upon a simple yet vital premise: every military operation must distinguish between military and civilian targets, and measures must be taken to avoid endangering those who play no part in the hostilities. Tragically, in practice, the primary victims are often those with the least involvement.
On March 1st (10th of Esfand), at approximately 2:30 AM, a missile strike targeting a police station in the center of Kamyaran claimed the life of Mahan Zarei, a 14-year-old student. Mahan was on his way home—a home he would never reach. The explosion sent shrapnel into the teenager’s head, killing him instantly.
The strike occurred in a high-traffic urban area. The force of the blast damaged hundreds of nearby homes and businesses and injured several other citizens, shattering the security of the local community.
Legal Analysis: Violations of the Geneva Conventions
Under IHL, such incidents must be scrutinized through the following legal principles:
The Principle of Distinction (Article 48, Additional Protocol I): Parties to a conflict must at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants.
Prohibition of Attacks on Civilians (Article 51): Any attack that targets civilians or fails to account for their safety is strictly prohibited.
The Principle of Proportionality (Article 51.5.b): Attacks expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life which would be excessive in relation to the concrete military advantage are unlawful.
Precaution in Attack (Article 57): Militaries are mandated to take all feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm, especially in densely populated urban centers.
Furthermore, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), specifically Article 38, requires states to take all possible measures to protect children from the consequences of armed conflict.
Beyond the Statistics
Mahan Zarei is not merely a number in a casualty report. He was a child with a family, a school, and a future. Highlighting such tragedies is not just about documenting grief; it is about demanding adherence to the rules designed to protect human life amidst the violence of war. Mahan was just walking home—a journey that ended in a grave violation of his most basic right to life.
