The treaty establishing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) states its aims and objectives to be attaining sustainable growth and development of the member states, promoting joint development in all fields of economic activity and the joint adoption of macro-economic policies and programmes to raise the standard of living of its peoples, cooperating in the creation of an enabling environment for foreign, cross border and domestic investment, and cooperating in the promotion of peace, security and stability among the member states in order to enhance economic development in the region.
Treaty Establishing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
The Treaty establishing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) creates a free trade area stretching from Tunisia to Zimbabwe. The treaty provides for the promotion of underdeveloped sectors and historically marginalised demographics, particularly that of women in business. Chapter 5 provides for the establishment of the COMESA Court of Justice, a regional court designed to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of the treaty.
COMESA Gender Policy
Transitional justice responses to gender-based violations during conflict and authoritarian rule are essential for ensuring justice for victims. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Gender Policy provides a potential basis for this in the region, as it advocates for equal and full participation of women in all aspects of COMESA activities and other operations taking place in the region.
COMESA Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Labour, Services, Right of Establishment and Residence
The Free Movement Protocol was developed with the aim of operationalising the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Its objective is to remove all restrictions to the free movement of persons, labour and services and provide for the right of establishment and right of residence. Protecting free movement is often a key factor in transitional justice mechanisms as a means to address past restrictions related to atrocities.
COMESA Social Charter
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Social Charter provides for the promotion of human development, social justice and the well-being of COMESA citizens. It establishes the major principles for the attainment of social justice and enhanced cooperation in the social and cultural fields in the region.