1. The armed forces, the police and other security agencies shall during their training receive instructions
on the Constitution of their country, ECOWAS principles and regulations, human rights, humanitarian law
and democratic principles. In this regard, seminars and meetings bringing together members of the armed
forces, Police and other Security Agencies and other sectors of society shall be organised from time to
time.
2. Joint training sessions shall also be arranged for members of the armed forces from different ECOWAS
countries, the police, other security forces, university dons and members of the civil society.
Article 24 :
1. The Member States undertake to strengthen their national agencies responsible for preventing and
combating terrorism.
2. In accordance with Articles 3 (d) and 16 (1) of the Protocol, the Department of Political Affairs, Defence
and Security of the Executive Secretariat shall initiate joint activities for the national agencies of Member
States in charge of preventing and combating terrorism.
SECTION V: POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND PROMOTION OF SOCIAL DIALOGUE
Article 25 :
Member States agree that poverty alleviation and promotion of social dialogue are important factors for
peace.
Article 26 :
Member States undertake to provide the basic human needs of their populations.
Article 27 :
Member States undertake to fight poverty effectively in their respective countries and within the
Community, especially by:
? creating an environment conducive to private investment and the development of a dynamic and
competitive private sector;
? providing the instruments necessary for the enhancement of job creation and for the development of the
social sector as a matter of priority;
? ensuring equitable distribution of resources and income in order to consolidate national unity and
solidarity;
? enhancing the integration of economic, financial and banking activities through harmonisation of
commercial and financial laws and establishment of Community multi-national corporations.
Article 28 :
1. Employers associations and trade unions shall be organised and/or strengthened in each Member State
and at the regional level of ECOWAS.
2. Member States shall promote social dialogue. In this regard, employers associations and workers unions
shall meet regularly among themselves and with political and administrative authorities with a view to
preventing social conflict.
3. There shall be associations of farmers, artisans and artists in each Member State and at the sub-regional
level of ECOWAS.
SECTION VI: EDUCATION, CULTURE AND RELIGION
Article 29 :
Education, culture and religion are essential factors for peace, stability and development in each Member
State.
Article 30 :
1. There shall be regular exchanges of students and academics between Member States.
2. Community institutions shall be established to provide training for students from the sub-region.
3. - In accordance with Article 36 of the Protocol, the Executive Secretariat shall, from now on, provide
budgetary allocations for immediate funding of the programmes as contained in this Article.
8