Legal and institutional frameworks also clarify the various roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders (governments, development agencies and civil society organizations, as well as beneficiaries). Appropriate legal and institutional frameworks are essential requirements for accountability. A legal framework also guarantees the involvement of State authorities throughout the development of social protection programmes. Clear and effective legal and institutional frameworks also significantly reduce the risk of political changes jeopardizing existing social protection programmes, which in turn protects beneficiaries from potential violations of their right to social security. 3. Respecting the principles of equality and non-discrimination States have a duty to protect persons against risks and vulnerabilities in an equal and non-discriminatory manner. In this regard, human rights norms impose upon States several obligations that, if they were complied with, would improve services and outcomes of several social policies, including CTPs. For example, human rights norms require states to eliminate discrimination in law, policy and practice and require States to take special measures to protect minorities as well as other vulnerable segments of society as a matter of priority, while taking measures to progressively ensure universal protection. The operationalisation of the principles of equality and non-discrimination in social protection policies would mean, for example: a. Ensuring minorities are taken into account The elimination of all forms of discrimination including discrimination is an overarching human rights principle that must guide States’ conduct.