This document – the first of its kind – is intended to provide guidance to States on their obligation to provide legal aid to poor persons in criminal cases, and set minimum standards for the implementation of this right. 

The draft sets out broad principles and some practical guidelines to enable states to draw up an integrated plan for legal aid. It recognizes the role played by paralegals and alternative legal aid schemes in advising and assisting suspects, defendants and victims of crimes. 

In addition to specifying the circumstances in which legal aid should be available, it requires governments to provide adequate budgets to support legal aid services, working with partners -including professional bodies, universities and civil society - to ensure adequate coverage throughout countries and communities.  It was requested by the UN’s Economic and Security Council in resolution 2007/24.