Basic principles
ZPP and partners recommend that food distribution in Zimbabwe must be based on
a platform of ethical principles that derive from international humanitarian law:
The right to life with dignity and the duty not to withhold or frustrate the provision
of life saving assistance;
The obligation of states and other parties to agree to the provision of
humanitarian and impartial assistance when the civilian population lacks
essential supplies;
Relief not to bring unintended advantage to one or more parties nor to further
any partisan position;
The management and distribution of food and other relief to be based purely on
criteria of need and not on partisan grounds, and without adverse distinction of
any kind;
Respect for community values of solidarity, dignity and peace and of community
culture.
Minimum Standards for Food Distribution
Key Considerations: That distribution of food aid be Responsive, Transparent,
Equitable and Appropriate, in addition to following specific suggested minimum
standards
Recipients of food aid are identified and targeted based on need by means of
an assessment carried out through consultation with stakeholders including
the beneficiaries
Registration of households receiving aid should be formalised, transparent
and all inclusive paying particular attention to vulnerability. Women who head
families or are single; as well as children from child-headed families should be
allowed to register in their own right.
Selection of distribution agents should be based on their impartiality, capacity
and accountability. May include local elders, local NGOs or other institutions
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