Working with the U.S. Department of Justice, we will help Colombia move from an inquisitorial to a more open, accusatorial judicial process. Casas are neighborhood judicial centers in underserved communities. There are presently 11 Casas in existence and we plan to have 29 by the end of 2001. Finally, we intend to work with nearly 100 towns and municipalities to strengthen citizen participation in local government, improve budget and program transparency, and enhance the delivery of public services. Municipal governments play a key role in connecting citizens with effective, transparent, accountable government.
Accounts vary of the number of displaced persons inside Colombia.
However, there is no doubt that hundreds of thousands of Colombians have sought refuge away from violence, threats and intimidation. Many, after receiving an initial support of housing and food for 90 days, are left on the margins of urban areas to fend for themselves. Children as young as 13 years old, many forcibly recruited, currently serve in the illegal armed groups. The OTI program will help remove them from armed conflict and peacefully reintegrate them back into society through education, training, and community-based programs. We are prepared to move forward immediately on assistance to displaced persons.