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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
- English1. Except as provided in this Article, no property of any description shall be compulsorily taken possession of, and no interest in or right over property of any description shall be compulsorily acquired, unless by or under the authority of an Act of Parliament which provides for payment of adequate compensation for the property or interest or right to be taken possession of or acquired.
2. Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of clause (1) to the extent that it is shown that such law provides for the taking possession or acquisition of any property or interest therein or right thereover—
…
y. for the purpose of the administration or disposition of such property or interest or right by the President in implementation of a comprehensive land policy or of a policy designed to ensure that the statute law, the Common Law and the doctrines of equity relating to or affecting the interest in or rights over land, or any other interests or right enjoyed by Chiefs and persons claiming through and under them, shall apply with substantial uniformity throughout Zambia;
… (Art. 16)
Customary Law
- English
The law establishes the rules concerning:
…
- the procedure according to which the habits and customs will be recognized [constatées] and harmonized with the fundamental principles of the Constitution;
… (Art. 101) - French
La loi fixe les règles concernant :
…
- la procédure selon laquelle les us et coutumes sont constatés et mis en harmonie avec les principes fondamentaux de la Constitution ;
… (Art. 101)
Customary Law
- English…
(4) Any law, including customary law, that is inconsistent with this Constitution is void to the extent of the inconsistency, and any act or omission in contravention of this Constitution is invalid.
… (Art. 2) - Swahili…
(4) Sheria yoyote, pamoja na sheria ya kijadi, ambayo inapingana na Katiba hii ni batili kwa kiwango cha kupingana, na kitendo chochote au uondoaji unaovunja Katiba hii ni batili.
… (Kifungu cha 2)
Customary Law
- 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—
…
(b) for matters relating to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law;
… (Art. 17)
Customary Law
- English1. The institution, status and role of Traditional Authority, according to customary law, are recognised under this Constitution.
2. Traditional Authority shall function in accordance with this Constitution, the state constitutions and the law.
3. The courts shall apply customary law subject to this Constitution and the law. (Art. 167)
Customary Law
- 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
- English(1) Traditional leaders must—
(a) act in accordance with this Constitution and the laws of Zimbabwe;
(b) observe the customs pertaining to traditional leadership and exercise their functions for the purposes for which the institution of traditional leadership is recognised by this Constitution; and
(c) treat all persons within their areas equally and fairly.
(2) Traditional leaders must not—
(a) be members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics;
(b) act in a partisan manner;
(c) further the interests of any political party or cause; or
(d) violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person. (Sec. 281)
Customary Law
- English(1) There shall be a Ntlo ya Dikgosi for Botswana which shall consist of not less than 33 nor more than 35 Members which shall be constituted as follows-
(a) one person from each of the following areas, which person for the time being performs the functions of the office of Kgosi in respect of such areas-
(i) Barolong Farms in the Southern District,
(ii) Chobe in the North West District,
(iii) Ga Malete in the South East District,
(iv) Ga Mmangwato in the Central District,
(v) Ghanzi District,
(vi) Goo Tawana in the North West District,
(vii) Kgalagadi District,
(viii) Kgatleng District,
(ix) Kweneng District,
(x) Ngwaketse in the Southern District,
(xi) North East District, and
(xii) Tlokweng in the South East District;
(b) five persons who shall be appointed by the President; and
(c) such number of persons, not being more than 20, as may be selected under section 78(4)(c) of this Constitution.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1)(a), the number of persons referred to in that subsection may, by virtue of section 78 (5), be less than 12, but not less than 10. (Sec. 77)
Customary Law
- 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
- EnglishThe institution of chieftaincy—
a. is a corporation sole with perpetual succession and capacity to sue and be sued; and
b. has capacity to hold property in trust for its subjects. (Art. 166)