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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
Ghana
- English(1) The institution of chieftaincy, together with its traditional councils as established by customary law and usage, is hereby guaranteed.
(2) Parliament shall have no power to enact any law which—
(a) confers on any person or authority the right to accord or withdraw recognition to or from a chief for any purpose whatsoever; or
(b) in any way detracts or derogates from the honour and dignity of the institution of chieftaincy.
(3) Nothing in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with, or in contravention of, clause (1) or (2) of this article if the law makes provision for—
(a) the determination, in accordance with the appropriate customary law and usage, by a traditional council, a Regional House of Chiefs or the National House of Chiefs or a Chieftaincy Committee of any of them, of the validity of the nomination, election, selection, installation or deposition of a person as a chief;
(b) a traditional council or a Regional House of Chiefs or the National House of Chiefs to establish and operate a procedure for the registration of chiefs and the public notification in the Gazette or otherwise of the status of persons as chiefs in Ghana. (Art. 270)
Customary Law
Zambia
- EnglishA chief—
a. may own property in a personal capacity; and
b. shall enjoy privileges and benefits—
i. bestowed on the office of chief by or under culture, custom and tradition; and
ii. attached to the office of chief, as prescribed. (Art. 167)
Customary Law
Sierra Leone
- English(1) In this Constitution unless a contrary intention appears—
• “Chiefdom Council” means a Chiefdom Council constituted under the Chiefdom Councils Act;
…
• “law” includes—
a. any instrument having the force of law made in exercise of a power conferred by law;
b. customary law and any other unwritten rules of law;
… (Sec. 171)
Customary Law
Ethiopia
- English1. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Any law, customary practice or a decision of an organ of state or a public official which contravenes this Constitution shall be of no effect.
… (Art. 9) - Amharic1. ሕገ መንግሥቱ የሀገሪቱ የበላይ ሕግ ነው፡፡ ማንኛውም ሕግ፣ ልማዳዊ አሰራር፣እንዲሁም የመንግሥት አካል ወይም ባለሥልጣን ውሳኔ ከዚህ ሕገ መንግሥት ጋር የሚቃረን ከሆነ ተፈጻሚነት አይኖረውም፡፡
… (አንቀጽ 9)
Customary Law
Chad
- EnglishThe Traditional and Customary Authorities participate notably in:
- The valuing [valorisation] of use and customs;
- The promotion of the ideas of peace, of development and of social cohesion;
- The non-jurisdictional regulation of disputes [différends] within their territorial] resort. (Art. 218) - Arabicتشارك السلطات التقليدية والعرفية لا سيما في:
- تقييم التقاليد والأعراف؛
- الترويج لأفكار السلام والتنمية والتماسك الاجتماعي؛
- التنظيم غير القضائي للمنازعات داخل نطاقها الإقليمي. (المادة 218) - FrenchLes Autorités Traditionnelles et Coutumières participent notamment à:
- La valorisation des us et coutumes;
- La promotion des idéaux de paix, de développement et de cohésion sociale;
- Au règlement non juridictionnel des différends dans leur ressort territorial. (Art. 218)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- EnglishThe Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the High Court have inherent power to protect and regulate their own process and to develop the common law or the customary law, taking into account the interests of justice and the provisions of this Constitution. (Sec. 176)
Customary Law
Gambia
- English…
(4) where a compulsory acquisition of land by or on behalf of the Government involves the displacement of any inhabitant who occupy the land under customary law, the Government shall resettle the displaced inhabitants on suitable alternative land with due regard to their economic well-being and social and cultural values.
… (Sec. 22)
Customary Law
Uganda
- English...
3. Land in Uganda shall be owned in accordance with the following land tenure systems-
a. customary;
b. freehold;
c. mailo; and
d. leasehold.
4. On the coming into force of this Constitution-
a. all Uganda citizens owning land under customary tenure may acquire certificates of ownership in a manner prescribed by Parliament; and
b. land under customary tenure may be converted to freehold land ownership by registration.
… (Art. 237)
Customary Law
South Sudan
- English1. Legislation of the states shall provide for the role of Traditional Authority as an institution at local government level on matters affecting local communities.
2. Legislation at the National and state levels shall provide for the establishment, composition, functions and duties of councils for Traditional Authority leaders. (Art. 168)
Customary Law
Lesotho
- EnglishThe Senate shall consist of the twenty-two Principal Chiefs and eleven other Senators nominated in that behalf by the King acting in accordance with the advice of the Council of State: … (Sec. 55)