UN Issues International Standards for Legal Aid in Criminal Cases

UN General Assembly Enacts Global Standards on Access to Counsel

The UN General Assembly has adopted the world’s first international instrument addressing the provision of legal aid —  the new UN Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems. Important provisions include:

  • prompt access to legal aid beginning with police custody and continuing through the adjudication process;
  • right to be informed about legal aid before any questioning;
  • the development of adequately funded and staffed nationwide legal aid systems.

To read more please click the following links:

UN General Assembly Enacts Global Standards on Access to Legal Aid (Open Society Foundations Dec. 20, 2012)
Draft UN Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems

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