In line with this rule the Committee has recommended States parties not to set a MACR at a too low level and to increase the existing low MACR to an internationally acceptable level.

In line with this rule the Committee has recommended States parties not to set a MACR at a too low level and to increase the existing low MACR to an internationally acceptable level.

MACRES is now establishing the MACRES Ground Receiving Station System to receive real-time satellite remote sensing data in order to cater to the demand for up-to-date information for more effective natural resources and environmental management.

The committee understands this provision as an obligation for States parties to set a minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR).

At the same time, the Committee urges States parties not to lower their MACR to the age of 12.

The Committee strongly recommends that States parties set a MACR that does not allow, by way of exception, the use of a lower age.

Even (very) young children do have the capacity to infringe the penal law but if they commit an offence when below MACR the irrefutable assumption is that they cannot be formally charged and held responsible in a penal law procedure.

Rule 4 of the Beijing Rules recommends that the beginning of MACR shall not be fixed at too low an age level, bearing in mind the facts of emotional, mental and intellectual maturity.

States parties are encouraged to increase their lower MACR to the age of 12 years as the absolute minimum age and to continue to increase it to a higher age level.

If there is no proof of age and it cannot be established that the child is at or above the MACR, the child shall not be held criminally responsible (see also paragraph 39 below).