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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
- English1. Judicial power is derived from the people and shall be exercised by the courts in accordance with the customs, values, norms and aspirations of the people and in conformity with this Constitution and the law.
… (Art. 122)
Customary Law
- EnglishWe, the people of Eswatini, …Whereas it has become necessary to review the various constitutional documents, decrees, laws, customs and practices so as to promote good governance, the rule of law, respect for our institutions and the progressive development of the Eswatini society;Whereas it is necessary to blend the good institutions of traditional Law and custom with those of an open and democratic society so as to promote transparency and the social, economic and cultural development of our Nation;… (Preamble)
Customary Law
- English(1) There shall be a Court of Appeal.
(2) The Court of Appeal shall consist of –
(a) a President of the Court of Appeal; and
(b) such number of Justices of the Court of Appeal, not less than forty-nine of which not less than three shall be learned in Islamic personal law, and not less than three shall be learned in Customary law, as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. (Sec. 237)
Customary Law
- EnglishCustomary and traditional rules concerning collective criminal responsibility are prohibited. (Art. 27)
- Arabicتحظر القواعد العرفية والتقليدية المتعلقة بالمسؤولية الجنائية الجماعية. (المادة 27)
- FrenchLes règles coutumières et traditionnelles relatives à la responsabilité pénale collective sont interdites. (Art. 27)
Customary Law
- English…
(2) When interpreting an enactment, and when developing the common law and customary law, every court, tribunal, forum or body must promote and be guided by the spirit and objectives of this Chapter13. (Sec. 46)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe State has the duty to safeguard and promote national values based on cultural traditions and practices so long as they do not conflict with human rights, public order and good morals.
… (Art. 47) - KinyarwandaLeta ifite inshingano zo kurengera no guteza imbere indangagaciro z'Igihugu zishingiye ku mibereho no ku mitekerereze ndangamuco ndetse no ku biranga umuco w’Igihugu muri rusange, mu gihe bitabangamiye uburenganzira bwa muntu, ituze rusange rya rubanda n’imyifatire ndangabupfura.
… (Ingingo ya 47) - FrenchL’Etat a le devoir de sauvegarder et de promouvoir les valeurs nationales fondées sur les traditions et pratiques culturelles dans la mesure où elles ne sont pas contraires aux droits de la personne, à l’ordre public et aux bonnes mœurs.
… (Art. 47)
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...
7. Rights in land and resources owned, held or otherwise acquired by the Government shall be exercised through the appropriate or designated level of government which shall recognize customary land rights under customary land law.
8. All levels of government shall institute a process to progressively develop and amend the relevant laws to incorporate customary rights and practices and local heritage.
… (Art. 171)
Customary Law
- English...
(8) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the High Court has no original or appellate jurisdiction in matters relating to the office of iNgwenyama; the office of iNdlovukazi (the Queen Mother); the authorisation of a person to perform the functions of Regent in terms of section 8; the appointment, revocation and suspension of a Chief; the composition of the Swazi National Council, the appointment and revocation of appointment of the Council and the procedure of the Council; and the Libutfo (regimental) system, which matters shall continue to be governed by Swazi law and Custom. (Sec. 151)