Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, 9 July 2002, Durban, South Africa.

The objectives for which the Peace and Security Council is established shall be to: a). promote peace, security and stability in Africa; b). anticipate and prevent 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; 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.