A few considerations regarding the right to free trade in the doctrine of Francisco de Vitoria

Resumen:
In Francisco de Vitoria's relections De Indis and De iure belli, free trade is presented as a human right in accordance with ius gentium. This right is rooted in the right of communication and association. The rights to travel, dwell and emigrate precede it and it is also closely related to the rights to preach, to protect converts and to constitute Christian princes. It is argued how the right to free trade has as its ultimate foundation on natural law and indirectly on divine law; trade is not independent of ethics; and it allows for the development of justice and friendship, among other repercussions. Francisco de Vitoria is pre-sented as a defender of private initiative and the free market.