6. Legal Framework 6.1. Constitutional Rights The essence of the complaints before the ZHRC was that the human rights to food, equality and non-discrimination of persons from opposition political parties were violated by public officials tasked with food distribution and office bearers of the ruling party (ZANU PF). The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) Act 2013 is the supreme guideline within the national legislative framework in as far as this case is concerned. The following sections are instructive;  Section 56 (1) which provides that: “All persons are equal before the law and have the right to equal protection and benefit of the law” (emphasis added), is one of the most essential rights particularly in the context of the present complaint. Section 56 (3) further provides that “Every persons has the right not to be treated in an unfairly discriminatory manner …..” on such grounds as their political affiliation among other grounds. It is also one of the founding values and principles of Zimbabwe as provided for in Section 3 (1) (f) which states that Zimbabwe is founded on respect for the “recognition of the equality of all human beings.”  Section 77(b) of the Constitution provides for the right to sufficient food.  Section 67 (2) (a) which guarantees political choice  Section 82 which guarantees the rights of the elderly 6.2. Domestic Legislation and policies 6.2.1. Social Welfare Assistance Act (Chapter 17:06) and the National Policy on Drought Management. The Act and the Policy provide for procedures to be taken by the government to ensure social protection services to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society. Programmes implemented by the government include the Food Deficit Page 10 of 21