1.5 Key Objectives of the APRM Focus Areas 36. Listed below are the key objectives for each of the four thematic areas. Democracy and Political Governance • Preventing and reducing intra- and interstate conflicts; • Fostering constitutional democracy; that is, periodic political competition and opportunity for choice, the rule of law, a Bill of Rights and the su premacy of the Constitution are firmly established in the Constitution; • Promoting and protecting economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, as enshrined in all African and international human rights instruments; • Upholding the separation of powers, including protecting the independence of the Judiciary and of an effective Parliament; • Ensuring accountable and efficient public officeholders and civil servants; • Fighting corruption in the political sphere; • Promoting and protecting the rights of women; • Promoting and protecting the rights of children and young persons; and • Promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including dis placed persons and refugees. Economic Governance and Management • Promoting macroeconomic policies that support sustainable development; • Implementing transparent, predictable and credible state economic policies; • Promoting sound public finance management; • Fighting corruption and money laundering; and • Accelerating regional integration by participating in the harmonisation of monetary, trade and investment policies among the participating states. Corporate Governance • Providing an enabling environment and effective regulatory framework for economic activities; • Ensuring that corporations act as good corporate citizens with regard to hu man rights, social responsibility and environmental sustainability; • Promoting the adoption of codes of good business ethics in achieving the objectives of the organisation; • Ensuring that corporations treat all their stakeholders (shareholders, em ployees, communities, suppliers and customers) in a fair and just manner; and • Making provision for the accountability of corporations and directors. Socioeconomic Development • Promoting self-reliance in development and building capacity for self-sus taining development; • Accelerating socioeconomic development in order to achieve sustainable 49