The Early Years

The Early Years

Adolescence

Adolescence

 

Adolescence

© UNICEF Iran

Young people in Iran urgently need education and life skills to fully participate as active members of their communities.

In the first decade following the Islamic Revolution, population growth in Iran was among the most rapid in the world. This growth abruptly began to reduce after 10 years, resulting in a surge in births between 1981 and 1991.

Some figures estimate that 60% of the population is under the age of 30, with nearly 40% between ages 10 and 25. These young people urgently need education, job opportunities and life skills information to ensure they have the tools and capabilities to actively participate in their communities.

© UNICEF Iran

Studies show young people lack the information they need to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.

Early marriage is still practiced in parts of Iran, especially in rural areas. Early marriages are often linked to poverty, and traditional and tribal cultures not only allow them but often consider them necessary. Parents remain unaware of the many negative consequences. Child labour is another consequence of poverty. Many rural Iranian children work, often from as early as age 12.

HIV prevalence is currently less than 0.1%, however heterosexual transmission appears to be on the rise. Although little is known about the levels of knowledge, attitudes and risk-taking behaviour of young people relative to HIV/AIDS, some studies have indicated that awareness is very low and young people do not perceive themselves to be at risk.