Article 25: Functions of the Secretariat

In addition to any functions which may be assigned to it by Organs of the Community, the Secretariat shall:

 

(a)        service meetings of the Organs and Bodies of the Community and take appropriate follow up action on determinations issuing from such meetings;

(b)        initiate, organise and conduct studies on issues for the achievement of the objectives of the Community;

(c)        provide, on request, services to the Member States of the Community on matters relating to the achievement of its objectives;

(d)        collect, store and disseminate to the Member States of the Community information relevant for the achievement of its objectives;

(e)        assist  Community  Organs  in  the  development  and  implementation of proposals and programmes for the achievement of objectives of the Community;

(f)         co-ordinate in relation to the Community the activities of donor agencies, international, regional  and  national  institutions for  the  achievement of objectives of the Community;

(g)        prepare the draft budget of the Community for examination by the Budget

Committee;

(h)        provide, on request, technical assistance to national authorities to facilitate implementation of Community decisions;

(i)         conduct, as mandated, fact-finding assignments in the Member States, and

(j)         initiate or develop proposals for consideration and decision by competent

Organs in order to achieve Community objectives.