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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 13212 RESULTS
Customary Law
Uganda
- English1. A regional assembly may establish standing and other committees or organs for the efficient discharge of its functions.
2. The representatives of cultural interests shall constitute the standing committee on cultural matters.
3. The standing committee on cultural matters shall have, as against the rest of the members of the regional assembly, exclusive jurisdiction on the cultural matters of the region.
4. In this paragraph "cultural matters" include the following-
a. the choice and installation of a traditional leader or cultural leader;
b. all traditional and cultural matters relating to the traditional or cultural leader and to the institutions of the traditional leader or cultural leader as well as royal members of the traditional leadership;
c. the choice, appointment and succession to clan and subclan leadership;
d. clan, traditional and customary matters;
e. matters relating to cultural funeral rites, cultural succession and customary heirs;
f. cultural or traditional lands, sites, shrines and installations;
g. clan lands, sites, shrines and installations; and
h. traditional, customary and cultural practices which are consistent with this Constitution.
5. In carrying out its responsibilities under subparagraphs (3) and (4), the standing committee on cultural matters shall consult the traditional or cultural leader of the region as well as the relevant clan leaders.
6. A decision of the standing committee on cultural matters shall not be effective until the decision has been approved by the traditional or cultural leader of the region and, in the case of succession under subparagraph (4)(a), by the clan or cultural leader's council. (Fifth Schedule: Regional governments, Art. 3)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- English(1) The National Council of Chiefs and, within its province, a provincial assembly of Chiefs have the following functions—
(a) to protect, promote and develop Zimbabwe’s culture and traditions;
(b) to represent the views of traditional leaders and to maintain the integrity and status of traditional institutions;
(c) to protect, promote and advance the interests of traditional leaders;
(d) to consider representations and complaints made to it by traditional leaders;
(e) to define and enforce correct and ethical conduct on the part of traditional leaders and to develop their capacity for leadership;
(f) to facilitate the settlement of disputes between and concerning traditional leaders;
(g) to perform any other functions that may be conferred or imposed on it by an Act of Parliament.
(2) An Act of Parliament must ensure that—
(a) the National Council of Chiefs and all provincial assemblies of Chiefs are able to carry out their functions independently and efficiently; and
(b) persons employed by the National Council of Chiefs and provincial assemblies of Chiefs carry out their duties conscientiously and impartially. (Sec. 286)
Customary Law
Chad
- English… feminine genital mutilations, premature marriages as well as other forms of debasement of the human being are prohibited. (Art. 19)
- Arabic... يحظر تشويه الأعضاء التناسلية الأنثوية والزواج المبكر إلى جانب أشكال أخرى من الحط من الإنسان. (المادة 19)
- French… les mutilations génitales féminines, les mariages précoces ainsi que toutes les autres formes d'avilissement de l'être humain sont interdits. (Art. 19)
Customary Law
Ghana
- English…
(2) Citizens may exercise popular participation in the administration of justice through the institutions of public and customary tribunals and the jury and assessor systems.
… (Art. 125)
Customary Law
Vanuatu
- EnglishParliament shall by law provide for the organisation of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and in particular for the role of chiefs at the village, island and district level. (Art. 31)
- FrenchLe Parlement légifère sur l'organisation du Conseil des Chefs Malvatumauri, et en particulier sur le rôle des chefs dans les villages, dans les îles et dans les provinces. (Art. 31)
Customary Law
South Sudan
- EnglishThe exclusive executive and legislative powers of a state shall be as follows:
…
30. Traditional Authority and customary law;...
42. Customary law courts. (Schedule (B), Powers of States)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- English(1) The Swazi traditional government is administered according to Swazi law and custom and the traditional institutions that are pillars of the monarchy as set out in subsection (2).
(2) The following Swazi traditional institutions are hereby guaranteed and protected ...
(a) iNgwenyama;
(b) iNdlovukazi;
(c) Ligunqa (Princes of the Realm);
(d) Liqoqo;
(e) Sibaya;
(f) (Tikhulu) Chiefs;
(g) Umntfwanenkhosi Lomkhulu (Senior Prince);
(h) Tindvuna (Royal Governors). (Sec. 227)
Customary Law
Namibia
- 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
Bolivia, Plurinational State of
- English…
II. In the framework of the unity of the State, and in accordance with this Constitution, the nations and rural native indigenous peoples enjoy the following rights:
…
2. To their cultural identity, religious belief, spiritualities, practices and customs, and their own world view.
…
14. To the practice of their political, juridical and economic systems in accord with their world view. (Art. 30) - Spanish…
II. En el marco de la unidad del Estado y de acuerdo con esta Constitución las naciones y pueblos indígena originario campesinos gozan de los siguientes derechos:
…
2. A su identidad cultural, creencia religiosa, espiritualidades, prácticas y costumbres, y a su propia cosmovisión.
…
14. Al ejercicio de sus sistemas políticos, jurídicos y económicos acorde a su cosmovisión. (Art. 30)
Customary Law
Botswana
- English...
(2) The National Assembly shall not proceed upon any Bill (including any amendment to a Bill) that, in the opinion of the person presiding, would, if enacted, alter any of the provisions of this Constitution or affect-
(a) the designation, recognition, removal of powers of Dikgosi or Dikgosana
(b) the organization, powers or administration of customary courts;
(c) customary law, or the ascertainment or recording of customary law; or
(d) tribal organization or tribal property,
unless-
(i) a copy of the Bill has been referred to the Ntlo ya Dikgosi after it has been introduced in the National Assembly; and
(ii) a period of 30 days has elapsed from the date when the copy of the Bill was referred to the Ntlo ya Dikgosi. (Sec. 88)