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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
- English(1) The National Council of Chiefs and, within its province, a provincial assembly of Chiefs have the following functions—
(a) to protect, promote and develop Zimbabwe’s culture and traditions;
(b) to represent the views of traditional leaders and to maintain the integrity and status of traditional institutions;
(c) to protect, promote and advance the interests of traditional leaders;
(d) to consider representations and complaints made to it by traditional leaders;
(e) to define and enforce correct and ethical conduct on the part of traditional leaders and to develop their capacity for leadership;
(f) to facilitate the settlement of disputes between and concerning traditional leaders;
(g) to perform any other functions that may be conferred or imposed on it by an Act of Parliament.
(2) An Act of Parliament must ensure that—
(a) the National Council of Chiefs and all provincial assemblies of Chiefs are able to carry out their functions independently and efficiently; and
(b) persons employed by the National Council of Chiefs and provincial assemblies of Chiefs carry out their duties conscientiously and impartially. (Sec. 286)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja shall, in addition to such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon by an Act of The National Assembly Exercise such appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of Customary law. (Sec. 267)
Customary Law
- English(1) The Ndlovukazi (Queen Mother) is traditionally the mother of the iNgwenyama and the symbolic Grandmother of the Nation.
(2) The Ndlovukazi is selected and appointed in accordance with Swazi law and custom.
(3) The official residence of the Ndlovukazi is the legislative and ceremonial capital of the nation and the arena of the Incwala and Umhlanga.
(4) The Ndlovukazi has such powers and performs such functions as Swazi law and custom assigns to her.
(5) Without derogating from the generality of subsection (4) the Ndlovukazi exercises a moderating advisory role on iNgwenyama.
… (Sec. 229)
Customary Law
- English
…
- RECOGNIZING the customary and traditional leadership [chefferie] as [a] moral authority[,] depository of the customs and of the traditions in our society;
… (Preamble) - French
…
RECONNAISSANT la chefferie coutumière et traditionnelle en tant qu’autorité morale dépositaire des coutumes et des traditions dans notre société;
… (Préambule)
Customary Law
- English(1) Every person is entitled to enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote any culture, language, tradition or religion subject to the provisions of this Constitution.
(2) All customary practices which dehumanise or are injurious to the physical and mental well-being of a person are prohibited. (Art. 26)
Customary Law
- 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
- English...
2. Every person who is charged with a criminal offence—...
d. shall unless legal aid is granted him in accordance with the law enacted by Parliament for such purpose be permitted to defend himself before the court in person, or at his own expense, by a legal representative of his own choice;
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12. Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of—
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b. paragraph (d) of clause (2) to the extent that it is shown that the law in question prohibits legal representation before a subordinate court in proceedings for an offence under Zambian customary law, being proceedings against any person who, under that law, is subject to that law;
… (Art. 18)
Customary Law
- English…
(2) The Republic of Cameroon shall be a decentralized unitary State. It shall be one and indivisible, secular, democratic and dedicated to social service. It shall recognize and protect traditional values that conform to democratic principles, human rights and the law.
… (Art. 1) - French…
(2) La République du Cameroun est un Etat unitaire décentralisé. Elle est une et indivisible, laïque, démocratique et sociale. Elle reconnaît et protège les valeurs traditionnelles conformes aux principes démocratiques, aux droits de l’homme et à la loi. Elle assure l’égalité de tous les citoyens devant la loi.
… (Art. 1)
Customary Law
- 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
- English(1) The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must take reasonable measures, including affirmative action programmes, to ensure that youths, that is to say people between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five years—
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(e) are protected from harmful cultural practices, exploitation and all forms of abuse.
… (Sec. 20)