Constitution of Kiribati 1979, as amended to 2018
Obligations of the State
  • English
    Whereas every person in Kiribati is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others or the public interest,
    ... (Sec. 3)
Obligations of the State
  • English
    1. Subject to the provisions of subsection (5) of this section, if any person alleges that any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive) of this Constitution has been, is being or is likely to be contravened in relation to him (or, in the case of a person who is detained, if any other person alleges such a contravention in relation to the detained person) then, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter which is lawfully available, that person (or that other person) may apply to the High Court for redress.
    2. The High Court shall have original jurisdiction—
    a. to hear and determine any application made by any person in pursuance of the preceding subsection;
    b. to determine any question arising in the case of any person which is referred to it in pursuance of the next following subsection, and may make such orders, issue such writs and give such directions as it may consider appropriate for the purpose of enforcing or securing the enforcement of any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive) of this Constitution:
    Provided that the High Court may decline to exercise its powers under this subsection if it is satisfied that adequate means of redress for the contravention alleged are or have been available to the person concerned under other provisions of this Constitution or under any other law.
    3. If in any proceedings in any subordinate court any question arises as to the contravention of any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive) of this Constitution, the person presiding in that court may, and shall if any party to the proceedings so requests, refer the question to the High Court unless, in his opinion, the raising of the question is merely frivolous or vexatious.
    4. The Maneaba ni Maungatabu may by law confer upon the High Court powers additional to those conferred by this section for the purpose of enabling that court more effectively to exercise the jurisdiction conferred upon it by this section.
    … (Sec. 17)
Obligations of Private Parties
  • English
    1. An appeal shall lie as of right to the Judicial Committee from any decision of the High Court involving the interpretation of this Constitution in any proceedings in which application has been made to the High Court alleging that any provision of this Constitution has been contravened and the rights or interests of any Banaban or of the Rabi Council under this Chapter or Chapter III are being or are likely to be affected by such contravention.
    … (Sec. 123)
National Human Rights Bodies
  • English
    1. There shall be a Banaba Island Council.
    2. The powers and duties of the Banaba Island Council shall be prescribed by or under law. (Sec. 121)
Links to all sites last visited 8 January 2024
2

Sec. 55 as amended by 2018 Amendment.

3

Sec. 40 as amended by 2016 Amendment.

4

Sec. 55 as amended by 2018 Amendment.