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Customary Law
- English
WE, the People of Tuvalu: -
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CELEBRATING our distinct culture and tradition influenced mainly by people of Polynesian descent;
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REAFFIRMING our desire to constitute ourselves as a free and democratic sovereign nation based on Christian Principles, Tuvaluan values and culture and the Rule of Law;
… (Preamble)
Customary Law
- English
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(5) In determining whether a law or act is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society that has a proper respect for human rights and dignity, a court may have regard to —
(a) traditional standards, values and practices, as well as previous laws and judicial decisions, of Tuvalu;
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(6) Notwithstanding subsection (5), any law, or any act done under a valid law, which accords with traditional standards, values and practices shall not contravene subsection (1) above, unless the relevant traditional standard, value or practice would be regarded by a resolution of Parliament supported by the votes of two-thirds of the total membership as one which should be eliminated. (Sec. 15)
Customary Law
- English
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(2) Except in relation to any act that is done under a valid law which accords with traditional standards, values and practices, any act that is done under a valid law but that in the particular case —
(a) is harsh or oppressive; or
(b) is not reasonable in the circumstances; or
(c) is otherwise not reasonably justifiable in a democratic society having a proper respect for human rights and dignity, is an unlawful act.
(3) The burden of showing that subsection (2) applies in respect of an act is on the party claiming that it does apply.
(4) Nothing in this section affects the operation of any other law under which an act may be held to be unlawful. (Sec. 12)
Customary Law
- English
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"the Falekaupule” means the traditional governing assembly in each island of Tuvalu which is composed in accordance with the aganu (i.e., the traditional local customs and usages) of each island and established under section 4 of the Falekaupule Act 1997;
... (Schedule 1, Sec. 1)
Customary Law
- English
1. Every person in Tuvalu is entitled, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, religious beliefs or lack of religious beliefs, disability, or sex, to the following fundamental rights and freedoms:-
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(2) The rights and freedoms referred to in subsection (1) can, in Tuvaluan society, be exercised only –
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(b) in acceptance of Tuvaluan values and culture, and with respect for them.
… (Sec. 11)