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The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
Customary Law
- English…
4. The State shall enforce the right of women to eliminate the influences of harmful customs. Laws, customs and practices that oppress or cause bodily or mental harm to women are prohibited.
… (Art. 35) - Amharic…
4. ሴቶች ከጐጂ ባሕል ተጽዕኖ የመላቀቅ መብታቸውን መንግሥት ማስከበር አለበት፡፡ ሴቶችን የሚጨቁኑ ወይም በአካላቸው ወይም በአዕምሮአቸው ላይ ጉዳት የሚያስከትሉ ሕጐች፣ ወጐችና ልማዶች የተከለከሉ ናቸው፡፡
… (አንቀጽ 35)
Customary Law
- English(1) Traditional leaders have the following functions within their areas of jurisdiction—
(a) to promote and uphold cultural values of their communities and, in particular, to promote sound family values;
(b) to take measures to preserve the culture, traditions, history and heritage of their communities, including sacred shrines;
(c) to facilitate development;
(d) in accordance with an Act of Parliament, to administer Communal Land and to protect the environment;
(e) to resolve disputes amongst people in their communities in accordance with customary law; and
(f) to exercise any other functions conferred or imposed on them by an Act of Parliament.
(2) Except as provided in an Act of Parliament, traditional leaders have authority, jurisdiction and control over the Communal Land or other areas for which they have been appointed, and over persons within those Communal Lands or areas.
(3) In the performance of their functions, traditional leaders are not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority, except as may be prescribed in an Act of Parliament.
(4) An Act of Parliament must provide for the regulation of the conduct of traditional leaders. (Sec. 282)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe State recognizes the traditional leadership [chefferie] as the depositary of customary authority. As such, it participates in the administration of the territory of the Republic in the conditions determined by the law.
The traditional leadership is held to a strict obligation of neutrality and reserve. It is protected against any abuse of power tending to divert it from the role conferred on it by the law. (Art. 167) - FrenchL’Etat reconnaît la chefferie traditionnelle comme dépositaire de l’autorité coutumière. A ce titre, elle participe à l’administration du territoire de la République dans les conditions déterminées par la loi.
La chefferie traditionnelle est tenue à une stricte obligation de neutralité et de réserve. Elle est protégée contre tout abus de pouvoir tendant à la détourner du rôle que lui confère la loi. (Art. 167)
Customary Law
- English(1) INgwenyama is the traditional head of the Swazi State and is chosen by virtue of the rank and character of his mother in accordance with Swazi law and custom.
(2) INgwenyama enjoys the same legal protection and immunity from legal suit or process as the King.
(3) Subject to an elaborate system of advisory councils, the functions of iNgwenyama under this chapter15 shall be regulated by Swazi law and custom. (Sec. 228)
Customary Law
- English
The rules concerning [the following] are of the domain of the law:
…
- The procedure according to which customs [coutumes] will be recognized [constatees] and placed in harmony with the fundamental principles of the Constitution;
… (Art. 98) - French
Sont du domaine de la loi les règles concernant:
…
- La procedure selon laquelle les coutumes seront constatées et mises en harmonie avec les principes fondamentaux de la Constitution;
… (Art. 98)
Customary Law
- English…
61. The formation, annulment and dissolution of marriages other than marriages under Islamic law and Customary law including matrimonial causes relating thereto.
… (Second Schedule – Legislative Powers, Part I – Exclusive Legislative List)
Customary Law
- English...
2. Every person who is charged with a criminal offence—...
d. shall unless legal aid is granted him in accordance with the law enacted by Parliament for such purpose be permitted to defend himself before the court in person, or at his own expense, by a legal representative of his own choice;
…
12. Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of—
…
b. paragraph (d) of clause (2) to the extent that it is shown that the law in question prohibits legal representation before a subordinate court in proceedings for an offence under Zambian customary law, being proceedings against any person who, under that law, is subject to that law;
… (Art. 18)
Customary Law
- English
The State recognizes traditional leadership [chefferie], guardian of habits [us] and customs [,] within the conditions established by the law. (Art. 151-1)
- French
L’Etat reconnait la chefferie traditionnelle gardienne des us et coutumes dans les conditions fixées par la loi. (Art. 151-1)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe State recognises the different normative and dispute resolution systems that co-exist in Mozambican society, insofar as they are not contrary to the fundamental principles and values of the Constitution. (Art. 4)
- PortugueseO Estado reconhece os vários sistemas normativos e de resolução de conflitos que coexistem na sociedade moçambicana, na medida em que não contrariem os valores e os princípios fundamentais da Constituição. (Art. 4)
Customary Law
- EnglishCultural and customary values which are consistent with fundamental rights and freedoms, human dignity, democracy and with the Constitution may be developed and incorporated in aspects of Ugandan life.
The State shall-
a. promote and preserve those cultural values and practices which enhance the dignity and well-being of Ugandans;
… (National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, XXIV)