5 2. The Peace and Security Council shall be supported by the Commission, a Panel of the Wise, a Continental Early Warning System, an African Standby Force and a Special Fund. ARTICLE 3 OBJECTIVES The objectives for which the Peace and Security Council is established shall be to: a. b. promote peace, security and stability in Africa, in order to guarantee the protection and preservation of life and property, the well-being of the African people and their environment, as well as the creation of conditions conducive to sustainable development; anticipate and prevent conflicts. In circumstances where conflicts have occurred, the Peace and Security Council shall have the responsibility to undertake peace-making and peacebuilding functions for the resolution of these conflicts; c. promote and implement peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction activities to consolidate peace and prevent the resurgence of violence; d. co-ordinate and harmonize continental efforts in the prevention and combating of international terrorism in all its aspects; e. develop a common defence policy for the Union, in accordance with article 4(d) of the Constitutive Act; f. promote and encourage democratic practices, good governance and the rule of law, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the sanctity of human life and international humanitarian law, as part of efforts for preventing conflicts. ARTICLE 4 PRINCIPLES The Peace and Security Council shall be guided by the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act, the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal