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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(1) Subject to clause (2) of this article, the State shall take steps to encourage the integration of appropriate customary values into the fabric of national life through formal and informal education and the conscious introduction of cultural dimensions to relevant aspects of national planning.
(2) The State shall ensure that appropriate customary and cultural values are adapted and developed as an integral part of the growing needs of the society as a whole; and in particular that traditional practices which are injurious to the health and well-being of the person are abolished.
… (Art. 39)
Customary Law
- English
The freedom of belief, of non-belief, of conscience, of religious opinion, [of] philosophy, of exercise of belief, the freedom of assembly, the free practice of custom as well as the freedom of procession and of demonstration, are guaranteed by this Constitution, under reserve of respect for the law, for public order, for good morals and for the human person. (Art. 7)
- French
La liberté de croyance, de non croyance, de conscience, d’opinion religieuse, philosophique, d’exercice de culte, la liberté de réunion, la pratique de la coutume ainsi que la liberté de cortège et de manifestation sont garanties par la présente Constitution, sous réserve du respect de la loi, de l’ordre public, des bonnes mœurs et de la personne humaine. (Art. 7)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the High Court have inherent power to protect and regulate their own process and to develop the common law or the customary law, taking into account the interests of justice and the provisions of this Constitution. (Sec. 176)
Customary Law
- English...
(8) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the High Court has no original or appellate jurisdiction in matters relating to the office of iNgwenyama; the office of iNdlovukazi (the Queen Mother); the authorisation of a person to perform the functions of Regent in terms of section 8; the appointment, revocation and suspension of a Chief; the composition of the Swazi National Council, the appointment and revocation of appointment of the Council and the procedure of the Council; and the Libutfo (regimental) system, which matters shall continue to be governed by Swazi law and Custom. (Sec. 151)
Customary Law
- English(1) ...
(f) No persons shall be compelled to give testimony against themselves or their spouses, who shall include partners in a marriage by customary law, and no Court shall admit in evidence against such persons testimony which has been obtained from such persons in violation of Article 8(2)(b) hereof.
... (Art. 12)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe Laws of Zambia consist of—
...
d. Zambian customary law which is consistent with this Constitution; … (Art. 7)
Customary Law
- English…
(3) A Regional House of Chiefs shall—
(a) perform such functions as may be conferred upon it by or under an Act of Parliament;
(b) advise any person or authority charged under this Constitution or any other law with any responsibility for any matter relating to or affecting chieftaincy in the region;
(c) hear and determine appeals from the traditional councils within the region in respect of the nomination, election, selection, installation or deposition of a person as a chief;
(d) have original jurisdiction in all matters relating to a paramount stool or skin or the occupant of a paramount stool or skin, including a queenmother to a paramount stool or skin;
(e) undertake a study and make such general recommendations as are appropriate for the resolution or expeditious disposition of chieftaincy disputes in the region;
(f) undertake the compilation of the customary laws and lines of succession applicable to each stool or skin in the region.
… (Art. 274)
Customary Law
- English...
3. Parliament may make provision for traditional or local courts presided over by lay persons or chiefs:
Provided that the jurisdiction of such courts shall be limited exclusively to civil cases at customary law and such minor common law and statutory offences as prescribed by an Act of Parliament.
4. Appeals from subordinate courts shall lie to the High Court, unless provided in this Constitution or by an Act of Parliament. (Sec. 110)
Customary Law
- English…
(3) Every citizen of The Gambia being of the age of eighteen years or older and of sound mind shall be entitled, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter10 and any Act of the National Assembly providing for such elections to vote in elections for local government authorities and traditional rulers in the area in which he or she is ordinarily resident. (Sec. 39)
Customary Law
- English(1) There is a National Council of Chiefs constituted in accordance with an Act of Parliament, to represent all Chiefs in Zimbabwe.
(2) An Act of Parliament must establish for each province, other than the metropolitan provinces, a provincial assembly of Chiefs consisting of the Chiefs in that province.
(3) So far as practicable the Chiefs in each province must be equitably represented in the National Council of Chiefs.
(4) Elections of the President, Deputy President and members of the National Council of Chiefs must be conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
(5) Each provincial assembly of Chiefs must elect, in accordance with the Electoral Law, Chiefs to represent the province in the Senate in terms of section 120(1)(b).
(6) The President and Deputy President of the National Council of Chiefs are elected for a term of five years and are eligible for re-election for one further such term, but a person who has served two terms as Deputy President is eligible for election as President.
(7) An Act of Parliament must provide for—
(a) the election of Chiefs to the National Council of Chiefs, and the qualifications and disqualifications of candidates for election;
(b) the oath of office to be taken by members of the National Council of Chiefs and provincial assemblies of Chiefs;
(c) the tenure of office of members of the National Council of Chiefs;
(d) the remuneration, pension and other benefits of the President, Deputy President and members of the National Council of Chiefs;
(e) the procedure to be followed at meetings of the National Council of Chiefs and provincial assemblies of Chiefs; and
(f) the establishment of a secretariat for the National Council of Chiefs and provincial assemblies of Chiefs. (Sec. 285)