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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.
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Customary Law
Uganda
- English…
5. Without prejudice to article 32 of this Constitution, women shall have the right to affirmative action for the purpose of redressing the imbalances created by history, tradition or custom. (Art. 33)
Customary Law
Guyana
- English(1) Subject to the provisions of this article -
(a) no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect; and
(b) no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any written law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority.
(2) In this article the expression ‘discriminatory’ means affording different treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to their or their parents’ or guardians’ respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed, age, disability, marital status, sex, gender, language, birth, social class, pregnancy, religion, conscience, belief or culture whereby persons of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which other persons of the same or another such description are not made subject or are accorded privileges or advantages which are not afforded to persons of another such description.
(3) Paragraph (1)(a) shall not apply to any law so far as that law makes provision -
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(b) with respect to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law;
… (Art. 149)
Customary Law
Liberia
- EnglishThe Judicial Power of the Republic shall be vested in a Supreme Court and such subordinate courts as the legislature may from time to time establish. The courts shall apply both statutory and customary laws in accordance with the standards enacted by the Legislature. … (Art. 65)
Customary Law
Ghana
- English…
(2) A person shall not be discriminated against on grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed or social or economic status.
(3) For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, gender, occupation, religion or creed, whereby persons of one description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another description are not made subject or are granted privileges or advantages which are not granted to persons of another description.
(4) Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from enacting laws that are reasonably necessary to provide—
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(b) for matters relating to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law;
… (Art. 17)
Customary Law
Bahamas
- English1. Subject to the provision of paragraph (4), (5) and (9) of this Article no law shall make any provision which is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.
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3. In this Article, the expression “discriminatory” means affording different treatment to different person attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin political opinions colour or creed whereby person of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which person of another such description are not made subject or are accorded privileges or advantages which are not accorded to persons of another such description.
4. Paragraph (1) of this Article shall not apply to any law so far as that law makes provision-
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c. with respect to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law;
… (Art. 26)
Customary Law
Central African Republic
- English…
It recognizes and protects the traditional values in accordance with the law and the Customary Authorities.
… (Art. 24) - French…
Elle reconnaît et protège les valeurs traditionnelles conformes à la loi et les Autorités costumières.
… (Art. 24)
Customary Law
South Africa
- English(1) National legislation may provide for a role for traditional leadership as an institution at local level on matters affecting local communities.
(2) To deal with matters relating to traditional leadership, the role of traditional leaders, customary law and the customs of communities observing a system of customary law
(a) national or provincial legislation may provide for the establishment of houses of traditional leaders; and
(b) national legislation may establish a council of traditional leaders. (Sec. 212)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- English...(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the principles of Eswatini customary law (Eswatini Law and Custom) are hereby recognised and adopted and shall be applied and enforced as part of the law of Eswatini.(3) The provisions of subsection (2) do not apply in respect of any custom that is, and to the extent that it is, inconsistent with a provision of this Constitution or a statute, or repugnant to natural justice or morality or general principles of humanity.(4) Parliament may ...(a) provide for the proof and pleading of the rule of custom for any purpose;(b) regulate the manner in which or the purpose for which custom may be recognised, applied or enforced; and(c) provide for the resolution of conflicts of customs or conflicts of personal laws. (Sec. 252)
Customary Law
Bolivia, Plurinational State of
- English…
II. In the framework of the unity of the State, and in accordance with this Constitution, the nations and rural native indigenous peoples enjoy the following rights:
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2. To their cultural identity, religious belief, spiritualities, practices and customs, and their own world view.
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14. To the practice of their political, juridical and economic systems in accord with their world view. (Art. 30) - Spanish…
II. En el marco de la unidad del Estado y de acuerdo con esta Constitución las naciones y pueblos indígena originario campesinos gozan de los siguientes derechos:
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2. A su identidad cultural, creencia religiosa, espiritualidades, prácticas y costumbres, y a su propia cosmovisión.
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14. Al ejercicio de sus sistemas políticos, jurídicos y económicos acorde a su cosmovisión. (Art. 30)
Customary Law
Namibia
- English(1) Both the customary law and the common law of Namibia in force on the date of Independence shall remain valid to the extent to which such customary or common law does not conflict with this Constitution or any other statutory law.
(2) Subject to the terms of this Constitution, any part of such common law or customary law may be repealed or modified by Act of Parliament, and the application thereof may be confined to particular parts of Namibia or to particular periods. (Art. 66)