The CESCR warns State Parties against discrimination.60 General Comment 12 specifies that it is a violation of the CESCR to discriminate with respect to “access to food, as well as to means and entitlements for its procurement, on the grounds of race, color, sex, language, age, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status…”61 Inequitable distribution of the right to food breaches the Covenant62 and a state violates its obligations as a State Party when it allows or engages in distribution practices designed to consolidate control, or further political goals. Furthermore, primary responsibility for preventing and remedying hunger lies with the State Party. When financial constraints prevent action, the State Party must take the lead in seeking international assistance.63 The comment states, “States parties should recognize the essential role of international cooperation and comply with their commitment to take joint and separate action to achieve the full realization of the right to adequate food.”64 As a member of the United Nations, and as a State Party to the CESCR, Zimbabwe recognizes the right to adequate food for its people. When it does not fully disclose information vital to ensuring Zimbabweans’ access to food or consistently tolerates opportunistic abuse, Zimbabwe abrogates its international legal and treaty obligations. The CESCR also binds donor countries and international humanitarian organizations. They must not politicize aid. Paragraph 37 of General Comment 12 specifically forbids conditional food assistance, and/or embargoes that use food as an economic or political lever: States parties should refrain at all times from food embargos or similar measures which endanger conditions for food production and access to 60 Art. 3, CESCR. 61 ‘The right to adequate food (Art. 11),’ May 12, 1999. E/C.12/1999/5, CESCR General Comment 12 (18) and (37). (General Comments). 62 ‘The right to adequate food (Art. 11),’ May 12, 1999. E/C.12/1999/5, CESCR General Comment 12 (26). (General Comments). 63 ‘The right to adequate food (Art. 11),’ May 12, 1999. E/C.12/1999/5, CESCR General Comment 12 (17). (General Comments). 64 ‘The right to adequate food (Art. 11),’ May 12, 1999. E/C.12/1999/5, CESCR General Comment 12 (36). (General Comments). 15