A representative of the Iranian Association in Toronto provided the following information on the above subject during a telephone interview on 1 May 1995.

Individuals of draft age, who were not exempted from military service, could not have volunteered during the war since they were liable for the regular period of draft, nor could they choose the position in which they would serve. Volunteers were those who were not liable for military service for a variety of reasons. They included individuals who were under 18 years of age, those who had already served the compulsory period of draft, or individuals who were exempted from military service for medical or educational reasons, for instance. The request of those individuals who were not liable for military service, but volunteered to serve in the armed forces in a specified capacity such as truck driving, would have been accepted during the Iran-Iraq War.

Volunteers who were over 18 years of age would have served in the regular armed forces or the Revolutionary Guards Corps. However, those who were under 18 years of age (and therefore were not qualified for serving in the mentioned military forces) would have served in the Basij unit of the Revolutionary Guards Corps.

The DIRB is currently unable to corroborate the above information.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Iranian Association, Toronto. 1 May 1995. Telephone interview with representative.