Human Rights Violations in the Use of Child Soldiers by the MEK Terrorist Organization

Children’s rights are one of the fundamental pillars of human rights, guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). However, the use of children as soldiers and tools of war in armed conflicts constitutes one of the most severe violations of these rights. The Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) terrorist organization has a dark history of exploiting children for military and ideological purposes. In addition to deploying children in military operations, the group has also abandoned them under inhumane conditions. One prominent example involves legal cases in the UK and Germany, where the MEK used children for money laundering operations. Once identified by authorities, the children were either abandoned on the streets or sold.  The MEK, notorious for its violent activities and extremist ideology, has exploited children as tools to bolster its ranks. By forcibly separating children from their families and parents, the group subjected them to brainwashing and military training. Many of these children, at a very young age, were compelled to participate in perilous military operations. 

Such actions blatantly violate the fundamental principles of child rights, as outlined in Article 38 of the CRC, which explicitly prohibits the recruitment of individuals under 15 years of age for armed conflict and emphasizes the need for special protection for children in conflict zones. The MEK not only disregards these principles but also deprives children of their right to education, growth, and safe living conditions. Furthermore, by abandoning these children across Europe, the group has inflicted severe physical and psychological harm on them, destroying their futures. 

The United Nations Office on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), whose primary responsibility is to protect children from violence and exploitation in armed conflicts, must urgently intervene in this matter. This body is tasked with monitoring violations of children’s rights and collaborating with governments and international organizations to prevent such abuses. 

The MEK’s actions not only violate international laws but directly undermine the objectives of the CAAC. It is essential for this UN body to compile a comprehensive report on the exploitation of children by the MEK and take significant steps to restore the rights of these individuals. One of the most tragic aspects of the MEK’s actions is the abandonment of children from Ashraf Camp in Europe. Ashraf Camp, located in Iraq, was one of the group’s main bases. In this camp, children were systematically separated from their parents and subjected to rigorous ideological and military training. 

Following the MEK's "ideological revolution," which mandated forced divorces among members, and as international pressure mounted to close Ashraf Camp, the group trafficked children under inhumane conditions to Europe. Many of these children were left on European streets without access to food or water. This action not only represents a gross violation of human rights but also underscores the MEK’s complete disregard for humanitarian and ethical principles. The CAAC must prioritize addressing this issue. 

The abandonment of children in Europe had devastating and irreparable consequences. These children, often lacking identification documents and legal protection, faced severe risks such as exploitation, homelessness, and psychological trauma. Some, due to the harsh conditions and lack of support, joined criminal gangs or became victims of human trafficking. Tragically, a number of these children disappeared without a trace, and their fates are unknown. 

This situation illustrates that the MEK’s actions caused far-reaching harm, not only during their exploitation of children as soldiers but even in their abandonment. The United Nations, particularly the CAAC and UNESCO, as well as other international child protection organizations, must conduct thorough investigations into the MEK’s exploitation of children and gather evidence for legal action. Countries where these children were abandoned, especially the UK and Germany, should use their judicial systems to hold the MEK accountable and work toward restoring the rights of these children. 

Broad awareness campaigns about the MEK’s human rights violations are necessary. International condemnation and legal prosecution of this group in international courts can help prevent such tragedies in the future. The use of children as soldiers and their abandonment under inhumane conditions by the MEK terrorist organization represent a flagrant violation of human rights that demands urgent action from the international community. The UN’s CAAC must conduct diligent monitoring and take serious steps to condemn this group and prevent similar actions in the future. 

International cooperation is essential to assist the children who have suffered due to these actions. As the most vulnerable members of society, children deserve to live in a safe environment, free from violence and exploitation. The global community has a responsibility to ensure these rights are upheld and protected.