1. Juvenile justice has become an international issue with the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) coming into force in 1990. Articles 37 clearly states, “No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment...”
2. UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Justice (Beijing Rules) conveys the basic procedural safeguards for a juvenile offender, such as the presumption of innocence, the right to be notified of the charges, the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, the right to the presence of a parent or guardian, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses and the right to appeal to a higher authority.
3. UN Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (Riyadh Guidelines) call for a child development perspective to prevent delinquency that directly refers to adoption of the preventive policies through the participation of the family, the community, peer groups, schools, vocational training and the world of work as well as through voluntary organizations.
4. UN Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty (Havana Rules) urges for a juvenile justice system that should uphold the rights and safety and promote the physical and mental well-being of juveniles.