Page 3 of 10 “social partners” means Governments, representative organisations of workers and representative organisations of employers in respective Member States. ARTICLE 2 OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARTER 1. The objective of this Charter shall be to facilitate, through close and active consultations among social partners and in a spirit conducive to harmonious labour relations, the accomplishment of the following objectives: (a) ensure the retention of the tripartite structure of the three social partners, namely, governments, organisations of employers and organisations of workers; (b) promote the formulation and harmonisation of legal, economic and social policies and programmes, which contribute to the creation of productive employment opportunities and generation of incomes, in Member States; (c) promote labour policies, practices and measures, which facilitate labour mobility, remove distortions in labour markets and enhance industrial harmony and increase productivity, in Member States; (d) provide a framework for regional co-operation in the collection and dissemination of labour market information; (e) promote the establishment and harmonisation of social security schemes; (f) harmonise regulations relating to health and safety standards at work places across the Region; and (g) promote the development of institutional capacities as well as vocational and technical skills in the Region. 2. It shall be the responsibility of Governments to create an enabling environment in order that objectives referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article are realised. ARTICLE 3 BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS AND ORGANISATIONAL RIGHTS 1. This Charter embodies the recognition by governments, employers and workers in the Region of the universality and indivisibility of basic human rights proclaimed in instruments such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Constitution of the ILO, the Philadelphia Declaration and other relevant international instruments. 2. Member States undertake to observe the basic rights referred to in this Charter. ARTICLE 4 FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Member States shall create an enabling environment consistent with ILO Conventions on freedom of http://www.sadc.int/index/print/page/171 7/23/2009