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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.
ABOUT 13218 RESULTS
Customary Law
Niger
- 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
Zimbabwe
- English(1) The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must promote and preserve cultural values and practices which enhance the dignity, well-being and equality of Zimbabweans.
...
(3) The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must take measures to ensure due respect for the dignity of traditional institutions. (Sec. 16)
Customary Law
Liberia
- English...
b. The Legislature shall enact laws to govern the devolution of estates and establish rights of inheritance and descent for spouses of both statutory and customary marriages so as to give adequate protection to surviving spouses and children of such marriages. (Art. 23)
Customary Law
Vanuatu
- EnglishAll land in the Republic of Vanuatu belongs to the indigenous custom owners and their descendants. (Art. 73)
- FrenchToutes les terres situées dans le territoire de la République appartiennent aux propriétaires coutumiers indigènes et à leur descendance. (Art. 73)
Customary Law
Ghana
- English(1) Every person is entitled to enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote any culture, language, tradition or religion subject to the provisions of this Constitution.
(2) All customary practices which dehumanise or are injurious to the physical and mental well-being of a person are prohibited. (Art. 26)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- EnglishWe, the people of Eswatini, …Whereas it has become necessary to review the various constitutional documents, decrees, laws, customs and practices so as to promote good governance, the rule of law, respect for our institutions and the progressive development of the Eswatini society;Whereas it is necessary to blend the good institutions of traditional Law and custom with those of an open and democratic society so as to promote transparency and the social, economic and cultural development of our Nation;… (Preamble)
Customary Law
South Africa
- English(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.
(2) Religious observances may be conducted at state or state-aided institutions, provided that-
(a) those observances follow rules made by the appropriate public authorities;
(b) they are conducted on an equitable basis; and
(c) attendance at them is free and voluntary.
(3) (a) This section does not prevent legislation recognising-
(i) marriages concluded under any tradition, or a system of religious, personal or family law; or
(ii) systems of personal and family law under any tradition, or adhered to by persons professing a particular religion.
(b) Recognition in terms of paragraph (a) must be consistent with this section and the other provisions of the Constitution. (Sec. 15)
Customary Law
Malawi
- English...
3. All men and women have the right to marry and found a family.
4. No person shall be forced to enter into marriage.
5. Subsections (3) and (4) shall apply to all marriages at law, custom and marriages by repute or by permanent cohabitation.
… (Sec. 22)
Customary Law
Micronesia, Federated States of
- EnglishThe Congress may establish, when needed, a Chamber of Chiefs consisting of traditional leaders from each state having such leaders, and of elected representatives from states having no traditional leaders. The constitution of a state having traditional leaders may provide for an active, functional role for them. (Art. V, Sec. 3)
Customary Law
Viet Nam
- English…
3. … Every ethnic group has the right to use its own spoken and written language to preserve its own identity and to promote its fine customs, practices, traditions and culture.
… (Art. 5) - Vietnamese…
3. … Các dân tộc có quyền dùng tiếng nói, chữ viết, giữ gìn bản sắc dân tộc, phát huy phong tục, tập quán, truyền thống và văn hoá tốt đẹp của mình.
… (Điều 5)