Analysis and Evaluation of the Regulation of the Prevention of Violence against Children and Adolescents in the Iranian Legal System in Comparison with International Instruments

Abstract

Violence against children and adolescents is one of the most significant contemporary human-rights and social challenges, the individual, familial, and social consequences of which may persist into adulthood. Effective prevention of this phenomenon requires a coherent and comprehensive legal system based on maximum protection of the child. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the regulation of the prevention of violence against children and adolescents in the Iranian legal system and to compare it with relevant international instruments. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical and documentary approach and, through an examination of Iranian laws and regulations and international instruments concerning children’s rights, analyzes the principal foundations, mechanisms, and deficiencies relating to violence prevention. The findings indicate that the Iranian legal system, particularly following the enactment of the Law on the Protection of Children and Adolescents (2020), has taken important steps toward recognizing different forms of violence, criminalizing certain harmful conduct, and strengthening criminal protection for children and adolescents. Nevertheless, compared with the approach reflected in international instruments, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child, deficiencies remain in comprehensive prevention, early risk identification, social and institutional protection, child participation, public education, protection of children at risk, and coordination among responsible institutions. International instruments do not view violence prevention merely as a criminal response to offenders; rather, they emphasize a combination of legislative, administrative, educational, social, and protective measures. Accordingly, strengthening preventive approaches, developing early identification and intervention mechanisms, enhancing institutional coordination, promoting education on children’s rights, providing specialized support for victims, and giving greater attention to the best interests of the child may improve the effectiveness of the Iranian legal system in preventing violence against children and adolescents.