SEARCH DATABASE
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
- English(1) There shall be a Council of Iroij of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
…
(3) If, in any district, a person or group of persons becomes recognized, pursuant to the customary law8 or to any traditional practice, as having rights and obligations analogous to those of Iroijlaplap, that person, or a member of that group nominated by the group, shall be deemed to be eligible to be a member of the Council of Iroij as though he were an Iroijlaplap.
…
(5) If, in the case of any district, there is for any reason no person eligible to be a member of the Council of Iroij in accordance with paragraphs (2) or (3) of this Section, the Council of Iroij shall as soon as practicable proceed, by resolution, to appoint as a member of the Council a person who, in the opinion of the Council, having regard to the customary law and any traditional practice, is qualified by reason of his family ties to a person who, but for that reason, would have been eligible to be a member of the Council from that district.
… (Art. III, Sec. 1)
Customary Law
- English(1) Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, thought and religion and the practice of his religion and beliefs, including freedom to manifest and propagate his religion and beliefs in such a way as not to interfere with the freedom of others, except to the extent that the exercise of that right is regulated or restricted by a law that complies with Section 38 (general qualifications on qualified rights).
…
(5) A reference in this section to religion includes a reference to the traditional religious beliefs and customs of the peoples of Papua New Guinea. (Sec. 45)
Customary Law
- English(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Solomon Islands Independence Order 1978(a) Solomon Islands shall be divided into Honiara city and provinces.
(2) Parliament shall by law -
...
(b) make provision for the government of Honiara city and the provinces and consider the role of traditional chiefs in the provinces. (Sec. 114)
Customary Law
- English
…
(2) Under this Constitution every person has the following fundamental duties and responsibilities to themselves, their dependents, and others –
(a) to respect society, communities, islands, leaders, and cultural practices and norms; to know their duties and roles in society despite different religious beliefs and practices,
...
(c) in the case of parents, to care for and not neglect their children, and to teach children to uphold their duties, Tuvaluan ways of life, and Christian principles;
...
(f) in the case of religious leaders, to respect Island Community customs and traditions, ...
(g) In the case of leaders, to respect Island Community customs and traditions;
... (Sec. 43)
Customary Law
- EnglishNothing in this Constitution takes away a role or function of a traditional leader as recognized by custom and tradition, or prevents a traditional leader from being recognized, honored, and given formal or functional roles at any level of government as may be prescribed by this Constitution or by statute. (Art. V, Sec. 1)
Customary Law
- English
…
WHEREAS the Leaders of Samoa have declared that Samoa should be an Independent State based on Christian principles and Samoan custom and tradition;
… (Preamble) - Samoan
…
ONA ua faaalia e Taitai o Samoa le tatau ona avea Samoa ma Malo Tutoatasi e faavaeina i luga o talitonuga faa-Kerisiano ma tu ma aganuu a Samoa;
… (Uputomua)
Customary Law
- EnglishNo person may succeed to any tofi'a or any title until he has attained the age of twenty one years, save for members of the Royal Family who shall be deemed to have attained maturity at eighteen years of age. (Clause 27)
- Tongan‘E ‘ikai ha taha ‘e ngofua ke hoko ko e ‘ea ki ha tofi‘a pe ha hingoa kae ‘oua kuo kakato hono uofulu mā taha ta‘u, tuku kehe ‘a kinautolu ‘i he fāmili ‘o e Tu‘i ‘a ia kuo pau ke lau kuo nau a‘u ki he ta‘u fakalao ‘i he ta‘u ‘e hongofulu-mā-valu. (Kupu 27)
Customary Law
- EnglishParliament shall provide for the establishment of village or island courts with jurisdiction over customary and other matters and shall provide for the role of chiefs in such courts. (Art. 52)
- FrenchLe Parlement crée des tribunaux de village ou d'île compétents en matière coutumière ou autre, et définit le rôle des chefs auprès de ces tribunaux. (Art. 52)
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:-
...
(2) The rights and freedoms referred to in subsection (1) can, in Tuvaluan society, be exercised only –
...
(b) in acceptance of Tuvaluan values and culture, and with respect for them.
… (Sec. 11)
Customary Law
- English1. Notwithstanding Articles 73 and 74 the Government may buy land from custom owners for the purpose of transferring ownership of it to indigenous citizens or indigenous communities from over-populated islands.
2. When redistributing land in accordance with subarticle (1), the Government shall give priority to ethnic, linguistic, customary and geographical ties. (Art. 81) - French1) Nonobstant les dispositions des articles 73 et 74, le gouvernement peut acheter des terres aux propriétaires coutumiers dans le but d'en transférer la propriété aux citoyens indigènes ou à des collectivités indigènes originaires d'îles surpeuplées.
2) Pour la redistribution des terres effectuée en application du paragraphe 1), le gouvernement tient compte en priorité des facteurs ethniques, linguistiques, coutumiers et géographiques. (Art. 81)