USAID Donates Computer Equipment to Improve Administration of Labor Justice
October 18, 2007

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In an effort to strengthen labor case tracking, case management and legal information management, U.S. Ambassador Charles L. Glazer participated in the inauguration of the Court Automation System of the Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court (CSJ, in Spanish) and donated computer equipment valued at over $30,000 to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 16.

The donation is part of a program of assistance by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the countries participating in the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).  After this initial donation of equipment, USAID will provide technical assistance and additional computer equipment to expand the Court Automation System in all labor courts of El Salvador.

The signatories to CAFTA-DR committed to enforcing their labor laws and improving labor conditions.  Therefore, administration of labor justice is a key priority in Central American countries.  USAID is contributing to this effort through its Central American and Mexico Regional Program.  USAID has made an initial investment of over $7 million to strengthen labor justice institutions and is working with the countries in Central American and the Dominican Republic to improve labor case tracking, case management and access for the courts, practitioners and the public to legal information.

The Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court, which handles most of El Salvador’s labor cases, developed the initial design for the Court Automation System.  With USAID’s support, the Supreme Court will enhance effective court administration in the labor courts, increase access by judges and labor justice system practitioners to relevant court information and provide useful information to the general public.

During the donation ceremony, Ambassador Charles L. Glazer said the U.S. government is supporting the government of El Salvador in its efforts to ensure that workers’ rights are protected. 
The U.S. government, through several agencies, has committed $40 million per year in labor and environment projects in the countries participating in CAFTA-DR through fiscal year 2009, including El Salvador.