Draft ECOWAS ICT Accessibility Policy (2018) v1 post Burkina Faso and Gambia Workshops ● promotion and consolidation of a democratic system of governance in each Member State as envisaged by the Declaration of Political Principles adopted in Abuja on 6 July, 1991; equitable and just distribution of the costs and benefits of economic co-operation and integration. 4. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES 4.1 Goal The goal of this policy is to ensure access to ICT content, applications and services by PWD so that they are enabled to participate fully and effectively in society. To this effect, the policy seeks to facilitate ECOWAS Member States to develop and implement harmonized policies, strategies, laws and programmes. 4.2 Objectives This ECOWAS policy seeks to mainstream ICT accessibility and in so doing, improve the general usability of ICT products and services for all people in the region. In order to achieve the goal of this ECOWAS policy the following objectives are defined: (1) Enhance access to ICT enabled services across web, public access, broadcasting and mobile (2) Promote evidence-based interventions in terms of policy, regulation and programs across web, public access and mobile (3) Promote accessible ICTs through responsible and inclusive public procurement (4) Advance sub-regional, regional and inter-regional cooperation (5) Mainstream ICT accessibility in the educational system (6) Ensure effective coordination and implementation of ICT accessibility in the ECOWAS region 4.3 Principles Recognizing the importance of accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment, to health and education and to information and communication, in enabling PwD to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms, the following principles, must be adhered to and underpin this ECOWAS Policy: (a) Non-discrimination – all people should be treated fairly without prejudice. (b) Sustainability - all interventions (i.e. policy, legal or investment), and the implementation thereof should be able to be maintained over a long enough period to achieve the desired outcomes. (c) Awareness – everyone should know about ICT accessibility, its benefits and products, the services that promote it, and one’s individual role in the process. 7