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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
Ethiopia
- English1. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Any law, customary practice or a decision of an organ of state or a public official which contravenes this Constitution shall be of no effect.
… (Art. 9) - Amharic1. ሕገ መንግሥቱ የሀገሪቱ የበላይ ሕግ ነው፡፡ ማንኛውም ሕግ፣ ልማዳዊ አሰራር፣እንዲሁም የመንግሥት አካል ወይም ባለሥልጣን ውሳኔ ከዚህ ሕገ መንግሥት ጋር የሚቃረን ከሆነ ተፈጻሚነት አይኖረውም፡፡
… (አንቀጽ 9)
Customary Law
Uganda
- EnglishCultural and customary values which are consistent with fundamental rights and freedoms, human dignity, democracy and with the Constitution may be developed and incorporated in aspects of Ugandan life.
The State shall-
a. promote and preserve those cultural values and practices which enhance the dignity and well-being of Ugandans;
… (National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, XXIV)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- EnglishWe, the people of Eswatini, …Whereas it has become necessary to review the various constitutional documents, decrees, laws, customs and practices so as to promote good governance, the rule of law, respect for our institutions and the progressive development of the Eswatini society;Whereas it is necessary to blend the good institutions of traditional Law and custom with those of an open and democratic society so as to promote transparency and the social, economic and cultural development of our Nation;… (Preamble)
Customary Law
Chad
- EnglishThe customary and traditional remedies [réparations] may not be made an obstacle to public action. (Art. 163)
- Arabicلا يجوز أن تعيق التدابير التصحيحية العرفية والتقليدية العمل العام. (المادة 163)
- FrenchLes réparations coutumières et traditionnelles ne peuvent faire obstacle à l'action publique. (Art. 163)
Customary Law
South Sudan
- English1. Legislation of the states shall provide for the role of Traditional Authority as an institution at local government level on matters affecting local communities.
2. Legislation at the National and state levels shall provide for the establishment, composition, functions and duties of councils for Traditional Authority leaders. (Art. 168)
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
Zambia
- EnglishA chief—
a. may own property in a personal capacity; and
b. shall enjoy privileges and benefits—
i. bestowed on the office of chief by or under culture, custom and tradition; and
ii. attached to the office of chief, as prescribed. (Art. 167)
Customary Law
South Africa
- English...
(2) When interpreting any legislation, and when developing the common law or customary law, every court, tribunal or forum must promote the spirit, purport and objects of the Bill of Rights.
(3) The Bill of Rights does not deny the existence of any other rights or freedoms that are recognised or conferred by common law, customary law or legislation, to the extent that they are consistent with the Bill. (Sec. 39)
Customary Law
Ghana
- EnglishThe National House of Chiefs shall—
(a) advise any person or authority charged with any responsibility under this Constitution or any other law for any matter relating to or affecting chieftaincy;
(b) undertake the progressive study, interpretation and codification of customary law with a view to evolving, in appropriate cases, a unified system of rules of customary law, and compiling the customary laws and lines of succession applicable to each stool or skin;
(c) undertake an evaluation of traditional customs and usages with a view to eliminating those customs and usages that are outmoded and socially harmful;
(d) perform such other functions, not being inconsistent with any function assigned to the House of Chiefs of a region, as Parliament may refer to it. (Art. 272)
Customary Law
Rwanda
- EnglishThe State has the duty to safeguard and promote national values based on cultural traditions and practices so long as they do not conflict with human rights, public order and good morals.
… (Art. 47) - KinyarwandaLeta ifite inshingano zo kurengera no guteza imbere indangagaciro z'Igihugu zishingiye ku mibereho no ku mitekerereze ndangamuco ndetse no ku biranga umuco w’Igihugu muri rusange, mu gihe bitabangamiye uburenganzira bwa muntu, ituze rusange rya rubanda n’imyifatire ndangabupfura.
… (Ingingo ya 47) - FrenchL’Etat a le devoir de sauvegarder et de promouvoir les valeurs nationales fondées sur les traditions et pratiques culturelles dans la mesure où elles ne sont pas contraires aux droits de la personne, à l’ordre public et aux bonnes mœurs.
… (Art. 47)