The UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules) provide guidelines on how children should be treated while they are in the criminal legal system. The rules address issues such as privacy, special training for the police and due process guarantees. They also set out guidelines for the diversion of children from judicial proceedings. The Beijing Rules alongside the provisions of the UNCRC help to emphasise that a distinct approach must be taken regarding defendants who are children.
The Beijing Rules are not legally binding on the UK but certain principles within the rules have been encompassed in the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has been ratified by the UK.