Steven J. Green
School of International
& Public Affairs

CAJ engages civil society across all its projects. A basic component of all justice reforms, civil society organizations are able to collaborate with State institutions to further improvements in all areas of justice. In many societies these organizations also have the role of watchdogs, making sure that institutions fulfill their responsibilities. CAJ has supported the creation of networks and coalitions of civil society in order to strengthen their voices and initiatives. In Colombia, for example, CAJ supported the establishment of several civil society groups for access to justice. These included networks of women, youth, Afro-Colombians and indigenous populations. These coalitions provided opportunities for citizens to access justice as well as helping to assist the Colombian government in designing laws to protect women.