The Charter has 16 chapters covering the rights to life, peace, democracy, cultural identity and freedom of conscience, development and social justice and the rights of vulnerable groups of women, children, differently abled persons, workers, students, prisoners and political detainees. The document also details the enforcement of rights and the importance to have regional institutions for the protection of rights.

On the general principles for promoting rights, the Charter stresses on the universality and indivisibility of rights, the responsibility for the protection of human rights and the sustainable development and the protection of the environment.

The document states: "We believe that rights are universal, every person being entitled to them by virtue of being a human being. Cultural traditions affect the way in which a society organises relationships within itself, but they do not detract from the universalism of rights which are primarily concerned with the relationship of citizens with the state and the inherent dignity of persons and groups. We also believe that rights and freedoms are indivisible and it is a fallacy to suppose that some types of rights can be suppressed in the name of other rights. Human beings have social, cultural and economic needs and aspirations that cannot be fragmented or compartmentalised, but are mutually dependent. Civil, political and cultural rights have little meaning unless there are the economic resources to exercise and enjoy them. Equally, the pursuit and acquisition of material wealth is sterile and self-defeating without political freedoms, the opportunity to develop and express one’s personality and to engage in cultural and other discourses."