The Foundation seeks to secure fundamental civil and political liberties and to improve disadvantaged groups' opportunities to participate in all aspects of society. To this end, support is provided for research, education, and advocacy programs that foster appreciation of diversity; that challenge customary and legal barriers to economic, political, and social advancement; that protect the exercise of civil and political rights; and that promote observance of the rule of law.

International Human Rights.

The Foundation uses a variety of strategies to promote compliance with the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the two International Covenants on Human Rights. The broad areas in which the Foundation works are protection of civil and political liberties; respect for international human rights law; promotion of freedom of expression and information; improvement of intergroup relations; and education, research, and dissemination of information about human rights.

To further civil and political liberties throughout the world, the Foundation supports local, regional, and international organizations that document violations of human rights and disseminate reports to policy makers and the general public. This year the Vienna-based International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights received $230,000 to promote compliance with human rights standards within the framework of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. To enlist scientists and health professionals in defending the human rights of persecuted colleagues abroad, the Foundation granted funds to two professional organizations based in the United States: the National Academy of Sciences, $100,000, for its Committee for Human Rights, and Physicians for Human Rights, $180,000.

Other organizations receiving support to protect civil and political liberties included the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights and the Washington Office on Latin America (wola). The institute received $275,000