COMESA Social Charter. Country/Territory Document type Miscellaneous Date 2015 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Environment gen. Keyword Social protection Climate change Desertification Hazards Education Equity Governance Human rights Protection forest Protection of environment Public health Public participation Sustainable development Tourism Waste prevention Entry into force notes It is necessary to sign and ratify the Charter by Member States to enable its implementation. Abstract The Social Charter is a multilateral document consisting of 19 articles that provides for the promotion of human development, social justice and the well-being of all COMESA citizens. The main goals of the Charter are (i) promote the welfare of the people of the region; (ii) improve the quality of life; (iii) accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development; and (iv) enable all individuals from the region to live in dignity and realize their full potential. It focuses on the following 11 Strategic Pillars representing the main critical areas (1) Employment and working conditions; (2) Labor laws; (3) Social Protection; (4) Human Resource Development and Youth Empowerment; (5) Well Being of the Child; (6) Freedom of Association; (7) Community Development; (8) Education Training and Skills development; (9) Health Care; (10) Sustainable development and protection of the environment; (11) Sustainable development and elimination of harmful social and cultural practices. The development of the Member States is grounded on a number of general principles, mainly (i) Good Governance including participatory governance; (ii) cooperation and partnership; (iii) ban of any form of discrimination; (iv) protection of the ethnic communities, minority and vulnerable groups; (v) integrity and sustainable use of natural resources and the environment. Full text English Website www.comesa.int