1.3. Institutional Framework To fully appreciate the Commission’s institutional background, it is important to understand its functions as provided for in the Zimbabwe Constitution Chapter 12 Section 243(1). These are: a. b. c. d. e. to promote awareness of and respect for human rights and freedoms at all levels of society; to promote the development of human rights and freedoms; to monitor and assess the observance of human rights in Zimbabwe; to recommend to Parliament effective measures to promote human rights and freedoms; to investigate the conduct of any authority or person, where it is alleged that any of the rights in the Declaration of Rights has been violated by that authority or person; and f. to assist the Minister responsible for the Act of Parliament referred to in subsection g. to prepare any report required to be submitted to any regional or international body constituted or appointed for the purpose of receiving such reports under any human rights convention, treaty or agreement to which Zimbabwe is a party. With the foregoing, the Commission’s 2015 to 2020 strategic plan envisions a ‘Zimbabwean society where human rights and administrative justice are fully enjoyed by everyone’ and has set out on a mission to effectively, fearlessly, and independently advance the ‘protection, promotion and enforcement of human rights and administrative justice in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and international human rights standards.’ This thus is an apt premise upon which the Election strategy is developed and will be implemented. This is strongly supported by the Commissions own set of Core Values that it defines as:      Fearlessness: Courage and fortitude are virtues that all members of the Commission cherish in carrying out their Constitutional mandate. Accessibility: all people in Zimbabwe shall have easy access to a fair, inclusive and impartial Commission that treats all parties equitably before the law. Independence: the Commission is truly independent and all decisions of the Commission on any matter are made without undue external influence. Responsiveness: the Commission is sensitive and responds promptly to all human rights and maladministration cases, and facilitates timely redress. Professionalism: the Commission shall be staffed by well trained and skilled officers of diverse qualities. Integrity – in pursuit of the highest standards, the Commission shall be guided by strong moral principles. 8|Page