United Nations Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination of Violence against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice A/RES/69/194 (j) “Informal justice system” refers to the resolution of disputes and the regulation of conduct by adjudication or with the assistance of a neutral third party that is not part of the judiciary as established by law and/or whose substantive, procedural or structural foundation is not primarily based on statutory law; (k) A “juvenile justice system” comprises laws, policies, guidelines, customary norms, systems, professionals, institutions and treatment specifically applicable to children alleged as, accused of or recognized as having infringed criminal law; (l) “Legal aid” includes legal advice, assistance and representation for persons detained, arrested or imprisoned as a result of being suspected or accused of or charged with a criminal offence, and for victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process, which is provided at no cost for those without sufficient means or when the interests of justice so require. Furthermore, “legal aid” is intended to include the concepts of legal education, access to legal information and other services provided for persons through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and restorative justice processes; (m) A “protective environment” is an environment conducive to ensuring to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child, including physical, mental, spiritual, moral, psychological and social development, in a manner compatible with human dignity; (n) “Restorative justice programme” means any programme that uses restorative processes and seeks to achieve restorative outcomes; (o) “Restorative process” means any process in which the victim and the offender and, where appropriate, any other individuals or community members affected by a crime participate actively together in the resolution of matters arising from the crime, generally with the help of a facilitator. Restorative processes may include mediation, conciliation, conferencing and sentencing circles; (p) “Violence” means all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse. Guiding principles 7. In implementing the Model Strategies and Practical Measures at the national level, Member States should be guided by the following principles: (a) That the inherent rights of the child to life, survival and development are protected; (b) That the right of the child to have his or her best interests as a primary consideration in all matters involving or affecting him or her is respected, whether the child is a victim or a perpetrator of violence, as well as in all measures of prevention and protection; (c) That every child is protected from all forms of violence without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her parent’s or legal guardian’s race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status; (d) That the child is informed of his or her rights in an age-appropriate manner and that the right of the child to be consulted and to express his or her views freely in all matters affecting him or her is fully respected; 7/29