U.S. Government Supports Construction of Justice House in Tumaco, Nariño

June 10, 2009

U.S. Government Supports Construction of Justice House in Tumaco, Nariño

On June 13, 2009, President Alvaro Uribe and U.S. Ambassador William R. Brownfield inaugurated the 50th Justice House in Tumaco, Nariño, built with support of the U.S. government. The new House will render its services to a traditionally vulnerable and disadvantaged population, mostly of African descent.

The design and construction of this justice service center had a cost of $650,000. Eighty percent was provided by the Colombian Ministry of Interior and Justice and the remaining 20 percent was a donation from the U.S. Government through its Agency for International Development (USAID). Once the Center begins providing its services, USAID will also finance community justice and training projects for the staff.

Located in an area of great poverty, violence and drug-trafficking activity in Tumaco, this Justice House is a clear example of the kind of assistance the American Government provides to the Colombian Government, to strengthen government services in conflict areas.

The Justice House Program was created in 1995 by the Colombian Ministry of Interior and Justice. Since it was implemented, this initiative has been considered a most successful model allowing for more justice services to be offered to vulnerable and low-income populations. Some of the most common cases seen at the center include domestic violence, child support, child custody and other issues related to property disputes. The Houses have provided the community with tools to create practical solutions to conflict resolution.