Mwatana for Human Rights

Document. Support. Influence

Mwatana is an independent Yemeni organization established in 2007 and advocates for human rights. Even though the former regime of president Ali Abdullah Saleh declined to provide the organization with the permit to conduct its work, Mwatana was able to implement its activities and participate with other parties in advocacy campaigns against the violations of human rights committed in various parts of Yemen, including those committed against the peaceful Southern Movement sit-ins, during the Saadah wars, and the arrests of activists, opponents and journalists. Furthermore, “Mwatana” cooperated and coordinated with international partners in documenting human rights violations in Yemen.

In April 2013, Mwatana finally obtained its permit and was able to expand its institutional capacities and intensify its activities. Mwatana is currently documenting the violations committed by the parties to the conflict and the various authorities and is publishing the results of its investigations in multiple publications. Mwatana also provides legal support and advice to victims of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, in addition to implementing advocacy activities and campaigns at the international level and among decision-makers. It also works to ensure accountability for violators and justice for victims and to build the capacity in the human rights field.

In 2018, the Baldwin Award recognized Mwatana’s work. Human Rights First announced awarding the 2018 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty to Mwatana. In the same year, the 10th International Hrant Dink Award was granted to Mwatana for depicting to the world the status of human rights in Yemen and for fighting against human rights violations in the country. In 2019, the American magazine “Time” listed Radhya Almutawakel (Chairperson of the organization) among its 100 most influential people in the world.

In February 2021, Mwatana for Human Rights and Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) were nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.

Our vision

A society where justice and full access to rights is guaranteed to everyone.

Our message

Mwatana advocates for human rights through the verification and documentation of violations, provision of legal support to victims, lobbying, as well as awareness raising and capacity building.

Our Goals

• Contribute to the creation of a human rights memory for human rights violations.
• Exercise pressure towards ensuring redress for victims of human rights violations and accountability for violators
• Create an environment that is aware of the culture and principles of human rights.
• Build and strengthen the capacities of the most interested and influential groups in the field of human rights.

Our Values

– Non-violence: Mwatana is committed to rejecting all forms of violence including engaging, promoting and justifying.

– Accuracy and objectivity: Mwatana is committed to the highest standards of research and investigation in order to obtain accurate and objective data and accounts of the facts of human rights violations. Mwatana is committed to using the most accurate legal analysis in accordance with relevant international laws.

– Integrity: Mwatana does not put itself in any financial or legal commitment or obligation towards any party or organization that might influence the outcome of its work or create the impression of an impact on its performance. As a non-profit organization, Mwatana does not operate in any business venture that contradicts in any of its details the organization’s stated objectives.

– Independence: Mwatana does not back any political position or serve as a political tool for any local or foreign parties. Mwatana is independent from any governments. The organization has its own programs, policies and mechanisms of the execution of tasks in accordance with the principles of the field of Human Rights.

– Neutrality: Mwatana stands at an equal distance from all the parties to the conflict. We support only the victims of human rights violations.

– Inclusiveness and non-discrimination: Mwatana works on the basis that human rights are universal and indivisible that must be available to all without any discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, language, religion, political views or any other situation encompassed by human rights standards.’

– No Harm: Mwatana places the interests of the victims and witnesses above all considerations. Mwatana responds carefully and quickly to the concerns and interests of the witnesses and the victims in a way that respects their rights and protects their dignity.

Mwatana operates through different tools that include:

• Monitoring and documentation through conducting field visits and research on the incidents of violations to Human Rights, taking the testimonies of witnesses, scrutinizing and studying the pieces of evidence in accordance with the local and international laws. The data collected is then used in the production statements, reports, letters or short films that include summaries, recommendations, and clear demands.

• Studies and Researches. Conducting research studies regarding human rights issues that aim to reach a clear image of the researched subjects in order to diagnose the issue and find solutions.

• Legal Support. Providing legal assistance to the victims of human rights violations before the relevant courts, public prosecution offices, and other law enforcement agencies by deploying professional and qualified lawyers.

• Advocacy and Lobbying. We lobby the relevant competent authorities through a specialized panel for advocacy to consider, accept and implement the recommendations and demands made in the studies and researches we conduct.

• Awareness Raising. We strive to raise awareness among people regarding their rights through different awareness-raising activities using modern tools that include films, the effective use of social media, brochures, and booklets. Such work is done to best serve the causes Mwatana works on.

• Training and capacity building. We work on training qualified human rights workers and equip them with the necessary skills in order to work on human rights issues objectively and more effectively.