Chapter one: The African Peer Review Mechanism and its implementation in Lesotho Key objectives of the APRM focus areas 4. The key objectives for each of the four thematic areas are listed below. Democracy and good political governance objectives 1. Reduce intrastate and interstate conflicts. 2. Promote constitutional democracy and the rule of law. 3. Promote and protect economic, social and cultural rights, and civil and political rights. 4. Uphold the separation of powers, including the protection of the independence of the judiciary. 5. Ensure the accountability, efficiency and effectiveness of civil servants and other public office holders. 6. Fight corruption in the political sphere. 7. Promote and protect the rights of women. 8. Promote and protect the rights of children and young persons. 9. Promote and protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including the disabled, the poor, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. Economic governance and management objectives 1. Promote macroeconomic policies that support sustainable development. 2. Implement sound, transparent and predictable economic policies. 3. Promote sound public financial management. 4. Fight corruption and money laundering. 5. Accelerate regional integration by harmonising monetary, trade and investment policy. Corporate governance objectives 1. Provide an enabling environment and effective regulatory framework for economic activities. 2. Ensure that corporations act as good corporate citizens with regard to human rights, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. 3. Promote the adoption of codes of good business ethics in achieving the objectives of corporations. 4. Ensure that corporations treat all stakeholders (shareholders, employees, communities, suppliers and customers) fairly and justly. 5. Provide for the accountability of corporations, directors and officers. Socioeconomic development objectives 1. Promote self-reliance in development and build capacity for self-sustaining development. 19