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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
Tuvalu
- English(1) Freedom based on law consists of the least restriction on the activities of individuals consistent with the public welfare and the maintenance and development of Tuvalu and Tuvaluan society in accordance with this Constitution and, in particular, in accordance with the Principles set out in the Preamble.
(2) Everyone has the right to freedom based on law, and accordingly, subject to this Constitution -
(a) everyone has the legal right to do anything that —
(i) does not injure others or interfere with the rights and freedoms of others; and
(ii) is not prohibited by law; and
(b) no-one may be -
(i) legally obliged to do anything that is not required by law; or
(ii) prevented by law from doing anything that complies with the provisions of paragraph (a).
(3) This section is not intended to deny the existence, nature or effect of cultural, social, civic, family or religious obligations, or other obligations of a nonlegal nature, or to prevent such obligations being given effect by law if, and so far as, it may be thought appropriate to do so. (Sec. 10)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- English(1) The judiciary of Zimbabwe consists of—
…
(f) persons presiding over magistrates courts, customary law courts and other courts established by or under an Act of Parliament.
… (Sec. 163)
Customary Law
Vanuatu
- English1. Parliament by enactment shall formalise the recognition of appropriate customary institutions or procedures to resolve land ownership or any disputes over custom land.
2. Parliament may recognise an institution as a customary institution by enactment for the purposes of subarticle (1).
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5. Where consequent to the provisions of this Chapter there is a dispute concerning the custom ownership of land the government may hold such land and manage it in the interests of disputing parties until the dispute is resolved. (Art. 78) - French1) Le Parlement formalise par la Loi la reconnaissance d’une institution coutumière compétente ou d’une procédure pertinente pour résoudre la question de propriété foncière ou tout litige lié aux terres coutumières.
2) Le Parlement peut, par la loi, reconnaître une institution coutumière aux fins du paragraphe 1).
...
5) Lorsque l’application des dispositions du présent Titre entraîne un litige concernant la propriété coutumière d’une terre, l’État peut sur accord des parties au litige détenir et gérer cette terre au profit des parties au litige jusqu’à la résolution du litige. (Art. 78)
Customary Law
Niger
- EnglishThe State recognizes the traditional leadership [chefferie] as the depositary of customary authority. As such, it participates in the administration of the territory of the Republic in the conditions determined by the law.
The traditional leadership is held to a strict obligation of neutrality and reserve. It is protected against any abuse of power tending to divert it from the role conferred on it by the law. (Art. 167) - FrenchL’Etat reconnaît la chefferie traditionnelle comme dépositaire de l’autorité coutumière. A ce titre, elle participe à l’administration du territoire de la République dans les conditions déterminées par la loi.
La chefferie traditionnelle est tenue à une stricte obligation de neutralité et de réserve. Elle est protégée contre tout abus de pouvoir tendant à la détourner du rôle que lui confère la loi. (Art. 167)
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:
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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
Chad
- EnglishThe traditional and customary authorities are the guarantors of use and custom. (Art. 217)
- Arabicالسلطات العرفية والتقليدية هي ضامنة التقاليد والأعراف. (المادة 217)
- FrenchLes Autorités Traditionnelles et Coutumières sont les garants des us et coutumes. (Art. 217)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- 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
South Sudan
- 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)
Customary Law
Lithuania
- EnglishCitizens belonging to ethnic communities shall have the right to foster their language, culture, and customs. (Art. 37)
- LithuanianPiliečiai, priklausantys tautinėms bendrijoms, turi teisę puoselėti savo kalbą, kultūrą ir papročius. (37 straipsnis)
Customary Law
Eswatini
- English(1) Chiefs are the footstool of iNgwenyama and iNgwenyama rules through the Chiefs.
(2) The iNgwenyama may appoint any person to be chief over any area.
(3) The general rule is that every umphakatsi (Chief’s residence) is headed by a Chief who is appointed by iNgwenyama after the Chief has been selected by the lusendvo (family council) and shall vacate office in like manner.
(4) The position of a Chief as a local head of one or more areas is usually hereditary and is regulated by Swazi law and custom.
(5) Unless the situation otherwise requires, a chief shall assume office at the age of eighteen years or so soon thereafter as the period of mourning comes to an end.
(6) A Chief, as a symbol of unity and a father of the community, does not take part in partisan politics.
(7) A Chief may be appointed to any public office for which the Chief may be otherwise qualified.
(8) The powers and functions of chiefs are in accordance with Swazi law and custom or conferred by Parliament or iNgwenyama from time to time.
(9) In the exercise of the functions and duties of his office a Chief enforces a custom, tradition, practice or usage which is just and not discriminatory. (Sec. 233)