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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
- EnglishWe the people of Solomon Islands, proud of the wisdom and the worthy customs of our ancestors, mindful of our common and diverse heritage and conscious of our common destiny, do now, under the guiding hand of God, establish the sovereign democratic State of Solomon Islands; …
Agree and pledge that –
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(d) we shall cherish and promote the different cultural traditions within Solomon Islands;
... (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
The freedom of belief, of non-belief, of conscience, of religious opinion, [of] philosophy, of exercise of belief, the freedom of assembly, the free practice of custom as well as the freedom of procession and of demonstration, are guaranteed by this Constitution, under reserve of respect for the law, for public order, for good morals and for the human person. (Art. 7)
- French
La liberté de croyance, de non croyance, de conscience, d’opinion religieuse, philosophique, d’exercice de culte, la liberté de réunion, la pratique de la coutume ainsi que la liberté de cortège et de manifestation sont garanties par la présente Constitution, sous réserve du respect de la loi, de l’ordre public, des bonnes mœurs et de la personne humaine. (Art. 7)
Customary Law
- English(1) Both the customary law and the common law of Namibia in force on the date of Independence shall remain valid to the extent to which such customary or common law does not conflict with this Constitution or any other statutory law.
(2) Subject to the terms of this Constitution, any part of such common law or customary law may be repealed or modified by Act of Parliament, and the application thereof may be confined to particular parts of Namibia or to particular periods. (Art. 66)
Customary Law
- 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
- English
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The Republic of Uzbekistan shall ensure a respectful attitude toward the languages, customs and traditions of all nationalities and ethnic groups living on its territory, and create the conditions necessary for their development. (Art. 4) - Uzbek
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O‘zbekiston Respublikasi o‘z hududida istiqomat qiluvchi millat va elatlarning tillari, urf-odatlari va an’analari hurmat qilinishini ta’minlaydi, ularning rivojlanishi uchun sharoit yaratadi. (4-modda.)
Customary Law
- English(1) The judiciary of Zimbabwe consists of—
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(f) persons presiding over magistrates courts, customary law courts and other courts established by or under an Act of Parliament.
… (Sec. 163)
Customary Law
- 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:
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2. To their cultural identity, religious belief, spiritualities, practices and customs, and their own world view.
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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:
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2. A su identidad cultural, creencia religiosa, espiritualidades, prácticas y costumbres, y a su propia cosmovisión.
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14. Al ejercicio de sus sistemas políticos, jurídicos y económicos acorde a su cosmovisión. (Art. 30)
Customary Law
- English(1) A bill (including any amendment to a bill) which, in the opinion of the presiding officer would affect or alter any matter regulated in terms of this section shall only be introduced in the Senate.
(2) Where a bill, in terms of this section, is duly introduced the Senate shall not proceed to the Second Reading of that bill until
(a) a copy of that bill has been sent by the President to the Council of Chiefs, and
(b) a period of sixty days has elapsed since the copy was sent to the Council in terms of paragraph (a).
(3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), where a bill affecting or altering any of the matters referred to in this section has been introduced in and passed by the Senate and has been sent to the House at least sixty days before the end of the session but has not within that period been passed by both Chambers, the bill shall be referred to a joint sitting of the Senate and the House in accordance with the provisions of the First Schedule.
(4) A bill having been duly introduced in and passed by the Senate shall not be referred to a joint sitting in terms of subsection (3) where the bill
(a) has been sent to the House at least sixty days before the end of the session, and
(b) has not been considered by the House within sixty days after the bill is so sent,
but shall, unless the Senate otherwise agrees, be presented to the King for assent.
(5) A bill shall not be presented to the King for assent in terms of subsection (4) unless the Senate so resolves by two-thirds majority of all the Senators.
(6) The provisions of this section apply to a bill which, in the opinion of the presiding officer would, if enacted, alter or affect
(a) the status, powers or privileges, designation or recognition of the Ngwenyama, Ndlovukazi or Umntfwanenkhosi Lomkhulu;
(b) the designation, recognition, removal, powers, of chief or other traditional authority;
(c) the organisation, powers or administration of Swazi (customary) courts or chiefs’ courts;
(d) Swazi law and custom, or the ascertainment or recording of Swazi law and custom;
(e) Swazi nation land; or
(f) Incwala, Umhlanga (Reed Dance), Libutfo (Regimental system) or similar cultural activity or organisation.
(7) Subject to the provisions of this section, the matters listed under subsection (6) shall continue to be regulated by Swazi law and custom. (Sec. 115)
Customary Law
- English…
4. All levels of government shall:
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b. enact laws to combat harmful customs and traditions which undermine the dignity and status of women;
… (Art. 16)