Twelve volunteers in Tianjin Binhai New Area have been selected to participate in juveniles' criminal procedures as their temporary statutory agents, to protect their legitimate rights, enorth.com reported.

The report said the 12 volunteers will represent suspected juveniles' parents who failed to attend criminal procedures, and defend their rights by having their voices heard.

Chinese law stipulates that juveniles undergoing interrogation and trials are entitled to the right of having their statutory agents present at the court. However, a procurator in Binhai New Area revealed that migrant juveniles in particular take up a large portion of the subjects in criminal cases, yet their parents are either unable or reluctant to make an appearance.

The 12 volunteers were selected by the Youth League Committee and Youth Federation of Binhai New Area, who take an interest in minors’ development and have practical experience in social causes.