A/RES/67/187 United Nations Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems Principle 11 Legal aid in the best interests of the child 34. In all legal aid decisions affecting children, 15 the best interests of the child should be the primary consideration. 35. Legal aid provided to children should be prioritized, in the best interests of the child, and be accessible, age-appropriate, multidisciplinary, effective and responsive to the specific legal and social needs of children. Principle 12 Independence and protection of legal aid providers 36. States should ensure that legal aid providers are able to carry out their work effectively, freely and independently. In particular, States should ensure that legal aid providers are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; are able to travel, to consult and meet with their clients freely and in full confidentiality both within their own country and abroad, and to freely access prosecution and other relevant files; and do not suffer, and are not threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics. Principle 13 Competence and accountability of legal aid providers 37. States should put in place mechanisms to ensure that all legal aid providers possess education, training, skills and experience that are commensurate with the nature of their work, including the gravity of the offences dealt with, and the rights and needs of women, children and groups with special needs. 38. Disciplinary complaints against legal aid providers should be promptly investigated and adjudicated in accordance with professional codes of ethics before an impartial body and subject to judicial review. Principle 14 Partnerships 39. States should recognize and encourage the contribution of lawyers’ associations, universities, civil society and other groups and institutions in providing legal aid. 40. Where appropriate, public-private and other forms of partnership should be established to extend the reach of legal aid. C. Guidelines Guideline 1 Provision of legal aid 41. Whenever States apply a means test to determine eligibility for legal aid, they should ensure that: (a) Persons whose means exceed the limits of the means test but who cannot afford, or do not have access to, a lawyer in situations where legal aid would have _______________ 15 “Child” shall mean any person under 18 years of age, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 8/20