Report on the Attack on “Shajareh Tayyebeh” Girls’ Primary School in Minab and Its Implications Under International Humanitarian Law
According to the Balochistan Human Rights Group, on Saturday, 28 February 2026, during the early hours—and approximately four hours after the onset of military hostilities between the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran—the “Shajareh Tayyebeh” girls’ primary school in Minab was struck by a missile. Based on consolidated final reports, at least 168 individuals were killed and 95 others injured in the attack, including approximately 110 children among those killed. This incident has been recorded as one of the deadliest attacks against an educational institution during the course of these hostilities.
In subsequent international reactions, Mr. du Plessis, a member of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, stated on 17 March that the body is seeking access to the site in order to conduct an independent investigation. According to him, the United Nations possesses credible reports confirming that at least 168 individuals—predominantly schoolgirls—were killed in the attack. He further emphasized that the investigation remains at an early stage, that no discussions have yet taken place with U.S. officials, and that the mission welcomes any information that may be provided. He also stressed the independence of the fact-finding process and confirmed that a formal request for access to Iran has been submitted.
Field assessments and supplementary reports indicate that the school was located adjacent to a facility affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), identified as the “Seyyed al-Shohada” complex. Concurrently, independent evidence suggests that Iranian authorities have utilized civilian infrastructure—including schools, hospitals, and residential areas—for the deployment of military personnel and equipment. Such practices have effectively exposed civilians, particularly children, to direct risks arising from military operations.
Under the principles of international humanitarian law and relevant child protection frameworks—including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and rules governing the protection of civilians in armed conflict—the use of educational institutions and civilian spaces for military purposes, as well as the use of civilians as human shields, is strictly prohibited and constitutes a serious violation of international obligations. In this context, the placement of a military installation in proximity to a functioning school, or the use of such environments to shield military activities, gives rise to direct responsibility for the actors who made such decisions. Accordingly, given the presence of an IRGC facility adjacent to the school and the use of civilian environments for military purposes, the IRGC can be considered responsible for creating the conditions that exposed students to this deadly attack and, consequently, for the resulting humanitarian consequences.
In conclusion, this incident demonstrates that the militarization of civilian spaces and the placement of military assets near protected sites directly contribute to increased civilian casualties. Children, as one of the most vulnerable groups, have disproportionately borne the consequences. These circumstances underscore the urgent need for independent, impartial, and transparent investigations to establish accountability for all parties involved and to ensure justice and reparations for the victims.
