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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 1364 RESULTS
National Human Rights Bodies
Guyana
- English(1) Subject to the provisions of this article, the Ombudsman may investigate any action taken by any department of Government or by any other authority to which this article applies, or by the President, Ministers, officers or members of such a department or authority, being action taken in exercise of the administrative functions of that department or authority.
(2) The Ombudsman may investigate any such action as aforesaid in any of the following circumstances, that is to say -
(a) if a complaint in respect of the action is duly made to the Ombudsman by any person or body or persons, whether incorporated or not alleging that the complainant has sustained injustice in consequence of a fault in administration;
(b) if the President, a Minister or a member of the National Assembly requests the Ombudsman to investigate the action on the ground that a person or body of persons specified in the request has or may have sustained such injustice;
(c) in any other circumstances in which the Ombudsman considers that he ought to investigate the action on the ground that some person or body of persons has or may have sustained such injustice.
(3) The Ombudsman shall not investigate under this Subtitle -
(a) any action in respect of which the complainant has or had -
(i) a remedy by way of proceedings in a court; or
(ii) a right of appeal, reference or review to or before an independent and impartial tribunal other than a court; or
(b) any such action, or action taken with respect to any such matter, as is excluded from investigation under article 193:
Provided that the Ombudsman -
(i) may conduct an investigation notwithstanding that the complainant has or had a remedy by way of proceedings in a court if satisfied that in the particular circumstances it is not reasonable to expect him to take or to have taken such proceedings;
(ii) shall not in any case be precluded from conducting an investigation in respect of any matter by reason only that it is open to the complainant to apply to the High Court for redress under article 153(1) (which relates to redress for contraventions of provisions for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms).
… (Art. 192)
National Human Rights Bodies
Equatorial Guinea
- EnglishAny physical or juridical person that, regarding [ante] an matter that concerns them, considers that a public organ [organismo] has not functioned or acted in accordance with the mission of public service that is assigned to it, can interpose [the] recourse of amparo before [ante] the Defender of the People. (Art. 125)
- SpanishToda persona física o jurídica que, ante un asunto que le concierne, considere que un organismo público no ha funcionado o actuado conforme a la misión de servicio público que le es asignado, puede interponer recurso de amparo ante el Defensor del Pueblo. (Art. 125)
- FrenchToute personne physique ou morale qui, dans un cas qui la concerne, estime qu'un organisme public n'a pas fonctionné ou agi conformément à la mission de service public qui lui a été assignée, peut introduire un recours en protection de ses droits devant le Défenseur du peuple. (Art. 125)
National Human Rights Bodies
South Sudan
- English1. The functions of the Commission shall be to:
a. monitor the application and enforcement of the rights and freedoms enshrined in this Constitution;
b. investigate, on its own initiative, or on a complaint made by any person or group of persons, against any violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms;
c. visit police jails, prisons and related facilities with a view to assessing and inspecting conditions of the inmates and make recommendations to the relevant authority;
d. establish a continuing programme of research, education and information to enhance respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
e. recommend to the National Legislative Assembly effective measures to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms;
f. create and sustain within society awareness of the provisions of this Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of South Sudan;
g. educate and encourage the public to defend their human rights and fundamental freedoms against all forms of abuse and violation;
h. formulate, implement and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens awareness of their civic responsibilities and understanding of their rights and obligations as citizens;
i. monitor compliance of all levels of government with international and regional human rights treaties and conventions ratified by the Republic of South Sudan;
j. express opinion or present advice to government organs on any issue related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; and
k. perform such other function as may be prescribed by law.
… (Art. 146)
National Human Rights Bodies
Tanzania, United Republic of
- English(1) There shall be a Commission to be known as the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance whose functions shall be as prescribed in Article 130 of this Constitution.… (Art. 129)
National Human Rights Bodies
Fiji
- English(1) The Human Rights Commission established under the Human Rights Commission Decree 2009 continues in existence as the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission.
(2) The Commission consists of—
(a) a chairperson, who must be a person who is or is qualified to be appointed as a judge; and
(b) 4 other members, appointed by the President on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission.
…
(4) Subject to this Constitution, the Commission is responsible for—
(a) promoting the protection and observance of, and respect for, human rights in public and private institutions, and to develop a culture of human rights in Fiji;
(b) education about the rights and freedoms recognised in this Chapter, as well as other internationally recognised rights and freedoms;
(c) monitoring, investigating and reporting on the observance of human rights in all spheres of life;
(d) making recommendations to Government concerning matters affecting the rights and freedoms recognised in this Chapter, including recommendations concerning existing or proposed laws;
(e) receiving and investigating complaints about alleged abuses of human rights and take steps to secure appropriate redress if human rights have been violated, including making applications to court for redress or for other forms of relief or remedies;
(f) investigating or researching, on its own initiative or on the basis of a complaint, any matter in respect of human rights, and make recommendations to improve the functioning of public or private entities;
(g) monitoring compliance by the State with obligations under treaties and conventions relating to human rights; and
(h) performing any other functions or exercising any powers as are conferred on the Commission by a written law.
(5) Subject to this Constitution, any person has the right to lodge a complaint with the Commission, alleging that a right or freedom in this Chapter has been denied, violated or infringed, or is threatened.
... (Sec. 45) - iTaukei(1) Na Matabose ni Dodonu ni Tamata e tauyavutaki ena Dikiri ni Matabose ni Dodonu ni Tamata 2009, me na tomani tiko me Matabose ni Dodonu ni Tamata kei na Valuti ni Veivakaduiduitaki.
(2) Na Matabose me na lewena—
(a) e dua na Jemeni, ka rawa ni digitaki me Daunilewa; kei na
(b) 4 tale na lewena, me digitaka na Peresitedi ena ivakasala ni Matabose ni Valenivolavola ni Yavunivakavulewa.
…
(4) Vakavo ke vakarautaki ena Yavunivakavulewa qo, na itavi ni Matabose me—
(a) vakatetea na taqomaki, dikevi na kena rokovi na dodonu ni tamata ena veimatabose taucoko, ka me vakatorocaketaka na itovo ni dodonu ni tamata e Viti;
(b) vakayaco vuli me baleta na dodonu kei na galala e taurivaki ena Wase qo, oka kina na dodonu kei na galala e taurivaki ka vakayagataki ena veimatanitu e vuravura;
(c) wanonova,vaqaqa ka volaitukutukutaka na kena vakamuri na dodonu ni tamata ena veitaba taucoko ni bula;
(d) vakatututaka i na Matanitu na veiulutaga e so e vakaleqa tiko na dodonu kei na gagala taurivaki ena Wase qo, vakakina na vakatutu me baleta na lawa sa tiko rawa kei na kena e se qai vakarau buli;
(e) ciqoma ka vaqaqa na kudru e so me baleta na veibeitaki ni kena voroki na dodonu ni tamata, ka cavuikalawa me walia, kevaka sa vakadinadinataki ni sa voroki na dodonu ni tamata, oka kina na kena vakatututaki ena mataveilewai se me vaqarai e so tale na iwali vinaka;
(f) vaqaqa se vakadidiketaka ena nona vakatulewa ga se ena dua na kudru ni lewenivanua, e dua na kudru e baleta na dodonu ni tamata ka soli ivakasala me vakavinakataka na tabana oqo;
(g) wanonova matua na Matanitu ena veiyalayalati kei na veidinadinati sa vakadeitaka kei na veimatanitu me baleta na dodonu ni tamata yadua; kei na
(h) vakayacori ni itavi tale e so, se na kena vakayagataki na kaukauwa e solia na lawa tabaki vua na Matabose.
(5) Vakavo ke vakarautaki ena Yavunivakavulewa qo, na tamata yadua e tu vua na dodonu me vakaraitaka nona kudru i na Matabose, me vakaraitaka kina na nona dodonu kei na galala e yavutaki ena Wase qo, e sega ni vakamuri se vakacacani.
… (Sec. 45)
National Human Rights Bodies
Burundi
- EnglishThe Ombudsman receives the complaints and conducts the inquiries concerning the faults of administration and of the violations of the rights of citizens committed by the agents of the public function and of the judiciary and makes recommendations on that subject to the competent authorities. He also assures a mediation between the Administration and the citizens and between the ministries and the Administration and plays the role of an observer in what [en ce qui] concerns the functioning of the public administration.
The organization and the functioning of his service are established by the law. (Art. 243) - KirundiUmuhuza w’abanyagihugu na Leta arakira ibirego vy’abamwituye agatohoza ivyerekeye amakosa yakozwe mu gutunganya ivy’igihugu n’ugurtyoza agateka k’abanyagihugu vyakozwe n’abakozi ba Leta n’abakora mu vy’ubucamanza, ibikwiye gukosorwa akabimenyesha abategetsi babifitiye ububasha. Arahuza kandi abajejwe intwaro n’abanyagihugu, ubushikiranganji n’izindi nzego z’ubutegetsi kandi agashinga ijisho ingene inzego nshingwantwaro zikora.
Ingene imirimo y’Umuhuza w’abanyagihugu na Leta iringanijwe n’ingene arangura amabanga ajejwe bitomorwa n’Ibwirizwa. (Ingingo ya 243) - FrenchL’Ombudsman reçoit les plaintes et mène des enquêtes concernant des fautes de gestion et des violations des droits des citoyens commises par des agents de la fonction publique et du judiciaire et fait des recommandations à ce sujet aux autorités compétentes. Il assure également une médiation entre l’Administration et les citoyens et entre les ministères et l’Administration et joue le rôle d’observateur en ce qui concerne le fonctionnement de l’administration publique.
L’organisation et le fonctionnement de son service sont fixés par la loi. (Art. 243)
National Human Rights Bodies
Namibia
- EnglishThe functions of the Ombudsman shall be defined and prescribed by an Act of Parliament and shall include the following:
(a) the duty to investigate complaints concerning alleged or apparent instances of violations of fundamental rights and freedoms, abuse of power, unfair, harsh, insensitive or discourteous treatment of an inhabitant of Namibia by an official in the employ of any organ of Government (whether central or local), manifest injustice, or conduct by such official which would properly be regarded as unlawful, oppressive or unfair in a democratic society;
(b) the duty to investigate complaints concerning the functioning of the Public Service Commission, administrative organs of the State, the defence force, the police force and the correctional service in so far as such complaints relate to the failure to achieve a balanced structuring of such services or equal access by all to the recruitment of such services or fair administration in relation to such services;
…
(d) the duty to investigate complaints concerning practices and actions by persons, enterprises and other private institutions where such complaints allege that violations of fundamental rights and freedoms under this Constitution have taken place;
(e) the duty and power to take appropriate action to call for the remedying, correction and reversal of instances specified in the preceding Sub-Articles through such means as are fair, proper and effective, including:
(aa) negotiation and compromise between the parties concerned;
(bb) causing the complaint and his or her finding thereon to be reported to the superior of an offending person;
(cc) referring the matter to the Prosecutor-General;
(dd) bringing proceedings in a competent Court for an interdict or some other suitable remedy to secure the termination of the offending action or conduct, or the abandonment or alteration of the offending procedures;
(ee) bringing proceedings to interdict the enforcement of such legislation or regulation by challenging its validity if the offending action or conduct is sought to be justified by subordinate legislation or regulation which is grossly unreasonable or otherwise ultra vires;
(ff) reviewing such laws as were in operation before the date of Independence in order to ascertain whether they violate the letter or the spirit of this Constitution and to make consequential recommendations to the President, the Cabinet or the Attorney-General for appropriate action following thereupon;
… (Art. 91)
National Human Rights Bodies
France
- EnglishThe Defender of Rights shall ensure the due respect of rights and freedoms by state administrations, territorial communities, public legal entities, as well as by all bodies carrying out a public service mission or by those that the Institutional Act decides fall within his remit.
Referral may be made to the Defender of Rights, in the manner determined by an Institutional Act, by every person who considers his rights to have been infringed by the operation of a public service or of a body mentioned in the first paragraph. He may act without referral.
…
The Defender of Rights shall be appointed by the President of the Republic for a six-year, non-renewable term,
… (1958 Constitution, Art. 71-1) - FrenchLe Défenseur des droits veille au respect des droits et libertés par les administrations de l'État, les collectivités territoriales, les établissements publics, ainsi que par tout organisme investi d'une mission de service public, ou à l'égard duquel la loi organique lui attribue des compétences.
Il peut être saisi, dans les conditions prévues par la loi organique, par toute personne s'estimant lésée par le fonctionnement d'un service public ou d'un organisme visé au premier alinéa. Il peut se saisir d'office.
…
Le Défenseur des droits est nommé par le Président de la République pour un mandat de six ans non renouvelable,
… (Constitution 1958, Art. 71-1)
National Human Rights Bodies
El Salvador
- EnglishThe Procurator for the Defense of Human Rights and the Procurator General of the Republic, will have the following functions:
I. It corresponds to the Procurator for the Defense of Human Rights:
1) To see to the respect [for] and guarantee of [the] human rights;
2) To investigate, of office[,] or through a complaint [denuncia] received, the cases of violations of human rights;
3) To assist [the] alleged [presuntas] victims of violations to human rights;
4) To promote judicial or administrative recourses for the protection of [the] human rights;
5) To monitor [vigilar] the situation of the persons deprived of [their] freedom. He will be notified of all the arrests [made] and will see [cuidara] that the legal limits of [the] administrative detention are respected;
6) To carry out inspections, where he deems necessary, in order to assure the respect for the human rights;
7) To supervise the acts of the public administration[,] as opposed to [frente] persons;
8) To promote reforms before the Organs of the State for the progress of [the] human rights;
9) To issue opinions concerning [the] Bills of law that affect the exercise of the human rights;
10) To promote and propose the measures deemed necessary in order to prevent violations of the human rights;
11) To publicly or privately formulate conclusions and recommendations;
12) To prepare and publish reports;
13) To develop a permanent program of activities of promotion concerning the knowledge of[,] and respect for[,] [the] human rights;
14) The others that the Constitution or the law attribute to him.
The Procurator for the Defense of Human Rights may have departmental and local delegates of [a] permanent character.
II. It corresponds to the Procurator General of the Republic:
1) To see to the defense of the family and of the persons and interests of the minors and others [who are] incapable;
2) To provide legal assistance to the persons of limited economic resources, and to represent them judicially in the defense of their individual freedom and labor rights;
3) To appoint, remove, grant leaves of absence to, and accept the resignations of the Auxiliary Procurators of all the Tribunals of the Republic, of [the] Labor Procurators and of the other functionaries and employees of their dependency;
4) To exercise the other attributions that the law establishes. (Art. 194) - SpanishEl Procurador para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos y el procurador General de la Republica, tendran las siguientes funciones:
I.- corresponde al Procurador para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos:
1º- velar por el respeto y la garantia a los derechos humanos;
2º- investigar, de oficio o por denuncia que hubiere recibido, casos de violaciones a los derechos humanos;
3º- asistir a las presuntas victimas de violaciones a los derechos humanos;
4º- promover recursos judiciales o administrativos para la protección de los derechos humanos;
5º- vigilar la situacion de las personas privadas de su libertad. Sera notificado de todo arresto y cuidara que sean respetados los limites legales de la detencion administrativa;
6º- practicar inspecciones, donde lo estime necesario, en orden a asegurar el respeto a los derechos humanos;
7º- supervisar la actuacion de la administracion publica frente a las personas;
8º- promover reformas ante los Organos del Estado para el progreso de los derechos humanos;
9º- emitir opiniones sobre proyectos de leyes que afecten el ejercicio de los derechos humanos;
10º- promover y proponer las medidas que estime necesarias en orden a prevenir violaciones a los derechos humanos;
11º- formular conclusiones y recomendaciones publica o privadamente;
12º- elaborar y publicar informes;
13º- desarrollar un programa permanente de actividades de promocion sobre el conocimiento y respeto de los derechos humanos;
14º- las demás que le atribuyan la constitucion o la ley.
El Procurador para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos podra tener delegados departamentales y locales de caracter permanente.
II.- Corresponde al Procurador General de la Republica:
1º- velar por la defensa de la familia y de las personas e intereses de los menores y demás incapaces;
2º- dar asistencia legal a las personas de escasos recursos económicos, y representarlas judicialmente en la defensa de su libertad individual y de sus derechos laborales;
3º- nombrar, remover, conceder licencias y aceptar renuncias a los Procuradores Auxiliares de todos los Tribunales de la Republica, a los procuradores de trabajo y a los demas funcionarios y empleados de su dependencia;
4º- ejercer las demas atribuciones que establezca la ley. (Art. 194)
National Human Rights Bodies
Vanuatu
- English1. The Ombudsman shall be appointed, for 5 years, by the President of the Republic after consultation with the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, the leaders of the political parties represented in Parliament, the President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, the Presidents of the Provincial Government Councils, and the chairmen of the Public Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission.
2. A person shall be disqualified for appointment as Ombudsman if he is a member of Parliament, the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs or a Provincial Government Council, if he holds any other public office, or if he exercises a position of responsibility within a political party.
... (Art. 61) - French1) Le Médiateur de Vanuatu est nommé, pour cinq ans, par le Président de la République, après consultation du Premier Ministre, du Président du Parlement, des présidents des groupes politiques constitués au sein du Parlement, du président du Conseil National des Chefs, des présidents des conseils provinciaux ainsi que des présidents des Commissions de la Fonction publique et de la Magistrature.
2) La fonction de Médiateur est incompatible avec l'appartenance au Parlement, au Conseil National des Chefs ou à un conseil provincial, et avec l'exercice de toute autre fonction publique ou d'une responsabilité au sein d'un parti politique.
... (Art. 61)