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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
Palau
- EnglishThe government shall take no action to prohibit or revoke the role or function of a traditional leader as recognized by custom and tradition which is not inconsistent with this Constitution, nor shall it prevent a traditional leader from being recognized, honored, or given formal or functional roles at any level of government. (Art. V, Sec. 1)
Customary Law
Ghana
- EnglishIn this Chapter9 unless the context otherwise requires, “chief” means a person, who, hailing from the appropriate family and lineage, has been validly nominated, elected or selected and enstooled, enskinned or installed as a chief or queenmother in accordance with the relevant customary law and usage. (Art. 277)
Customary Law
Zambia
- 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
Samoa
- English(1) All land in Samoa is customary land, freehold land or public land.
(2) Customary land means land held from Samoa in accordance with Samoan custom and usage and with the law relating to Samoan custom and usage.
… (Art. 101) - Samoan(1) O eleele uma i Samoa o eleele tau le aganuu, eleele umia saoloto (fanua na faatauina mai), po o eleele tau le Malo.
(2) O eleele tau le aganuu o lona uiga o eleele e umia mai ia Samoa e talafeagai ai ma aganuu faa-Samoa ma lo latou faaaogaina ma e tusa ai ma le tulafono e uiga i aganuu faa-Samoa ma lo latou faaaogaina.
… (Mataupu 101)
Customary Law
Lesotho
- EnglishThe Senate shall consist of the twenty-two Principal Chiefs and eleven other Senators nominated in that behalf by the King acting in accordance with the advice of the Council of State: … (Sec. 55)
Customary Law
Tuvalu
- English… AND WHEREAS the people of Tuvalu desire to constitute themselves as an independent State based on Christian principles, the Rule of Law, and Tuvaluan custom and tradition; … (Preamble)
Customary Law
Benin
- 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
Malawi
- EnglishExcept in so far as they are inconsistent with this Constitution, all Acts of Parliament, common law and customary law in force on the appointed day shall continue to have force of law, as if they had been made in accordance with and in pursuance of this Constitution:
Provided that any laws currently in force may be amended or repealed by an Act of Parliament or be declared unconstitutional by a competent court. (Sec. 200)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- EnglishAn Act of Parliament must provide for the following, in accordance with the prevailing culture, customs, traditions and practices of the communities concerned—
(a) the appointment, suspension, succession and removal of traditional leaders;
(b) the creation and resuscitation of chieftainships; and
(c) the resolution of disputes concerning the appointment, suspension, succession and removal of traditional leaders; but—
(i) the appointment, removal and suspension of Chiefs must be done by the President on the recommendation of the provincial assembly of Chiefs through the National Council of Chiefs and the Minister responsible for traditional leaders and in accordance with the traditional practices and traditions of the communities concerned;
(ii) disputes concerning the appointment, suspension and removal of traditional leaders must be resolved by the President on the recommendation of the provincial assembly of Chiefs through the Minister responsible for traditional leaders;
(iii) the Act must provide measures to ensure that all these matters are dealt with fairly and without regard to political considerations;
(iv) the Act must provide measures to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions and their independence from political interference. (Sec. 283)
Customary Law
Vanuatu
- EnglishThe rules of custom shall form the basis of ownership and use of land in the Republic of Vanuatu. (Art. 74)
- FrenchDans la République, les règles coutumières constituent le fondement des droits de propriété et d'usage des terres. (Art. 74)