The very idea of establishing WFRT- as an independent organization concerned with the rights of women-was the result of circumspect and fruitful deliberations with leaders in the human rights and women's rights movements. It was established with the purpose of increasing coordination and

concentrate action on the cause of women's rights in Yemen. During 2000, the Forum was officially permitted to operate, as per the Ministry of Culture's License No. (51) for the year 2000 , as a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) that is mandated primarily to the promotion and protection of human and women's rights.

The Forum does not engage in political activities except in areas deemed necessary to fulfill its mandate, such as increasing political awareness or defending the political rights of women. The Forum is also proud to associate with political parties and civil society organizations on the basis of such values as honesty, transparency, and mutual responsibility. The Forum also operates within pre-defined procedures, plans and mechanisms. It is most active in conducting research, organizing conferences, seminars and training workshops, publishing human rights information, and providing advocacy and training. It provides support for media production, assists in

developing training curricula, and other publications of a regular and non-regular bases.

Inspired and guided by the values of freedom, equality and justice, the Forum strives to establish a culture in which human beings are respected and appreciated for what they are, irrespective of religious, ideological, regional, racial or sectarian affiliation. These are universal values that cut across all geographical boundaries and walks of life ever since the creation of man on Earth. They are as genuine and important as they were then, be they economic, social, political or cultural. These are the founding principles on which all the Forum's activities are centered, and the impetus that feeds our commitment to create a society in which oppression, discrimination, social injustices find zero tolerance.

In fact, the Forum is committed to translating these values into a variety of integrated programs that aim to increase awareness, monitor human rights violations, exert pressure on government authorities

to ensure the protection of human rights, and provide legal advocacy and support. However, the Forum's scope of operation is not limited to Yemen, as it extends its services to many Arab countries and beyond. It adds its voice to the global awakening call of universal conscience, while finding local solutions and developing practical mechanisms and provisions to address local concerns. Inspired and informed by extensive studies and global sharing of information and experiences, the Forum is attuned to handle the major responsibilities it set forth in its mandate of promoting and defending human and women's rights at the country, regional and international levels.

Goals

* We assist in the conduction of important studies and researches on issues related to women's and human rights.

* We organize training programs and workshops to

facilitate and improve the work of women groups and NGOs, and to build the capacity of media institutions to convey human rights messages.

* We develop information materials and provide training advocacy and guidance to build the capacity of human rights activists and concerned organizations.

* We work closely with schools and educational institutions to ensure the integration of civil education in their curricula and the protection of human rights in their systems and procedures.

* We monitor and report violations of women's and human rights.

* We develop new library publications and increase our library resource collection, including, for instance, developing magazines, periodical and non-periodical publications, series of human rights studies, as well as simple Questions and Answers leaflets, etc.