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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. The state shall recognise the status, role and functions of the institutions of the traditional authorities founded in accordance with customary law which do not contradict the Constitution.
2. Recognition of the institutions of the traditional authorities shall oblige public and private entities to respect, in their relations with these institutions, the values and norms of customary law that are observed within traditional political and community organisations and do not conflict with the Constitution or the dignity of the human person. (Art. 223) - Portuguese1. O Estado reconhece o estatuto, o papel e as funções das instituições do poder tradicional constituídas de acordo com o direito consuetudinário e que não contrariam a Constituição.
2. O reconhecimento das instituições do poder tradicional obriga as entidades públicas e privadas a respeitarem, nas suas relações com aquelas instituições, os valores e normas consuetudinários observados no seio das organizações político-comunitárias tradicionais e que não sejam conflituantes com a Constituição nem com a dignidade da pessoa humana. (Art. 223)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe National House of Chiefs shall—
(a) advise any person or authority charged with any responsibility under this Constitution or any other law for any matter relating to or affecting chieftaincy;
(b) undertake the progressive study, interpretation and codification of customary law with a view to evolving, in appropriate cases, a unified system of rules of customary law, and compiling the customary laws and lines of succession applicable to each stool or skin;
(c) undertake an evaluation of traditional customs and usages with a view to eliminating those customs and usages that are outmoded and socially harmful;
(d) perform such other functions, not being inconsistent with any function assigned to the House of Chiefs of a region, as Parliament may refer to it. (Art. 272)
Customary Law
- English…
5. Without prejudice to article 32 of this Constitution, women shall have the right to affirmative action for the purpose of redressing the imbalances created by history, tradition or custom. (Art. 33)
Customary Law
- English
(1) In exercising his powers under the foregoing provisions of this Chapter11 in respect of appointments to the offices of Justices of the Supreme court and Justices of the Court of Appeal, the President shall have regard to the need to ensure that there are among the holders of such offices persons learned in Islamic personal law and persons learned in Customary law.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section –
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(b) a person shall be deemed to be learned in Customary law if he is a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period of not less than fifteen years in the case of a Justice of the Supreme Court or not less than twelve years in the case of a Justice of the Court of Appeal and has in either case and in the opinion of the National Judicial Council considerable knowledge of and experience in the practice of Customary law. (Sec. 288)
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)
Customary Law
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(2) The National Assembly shall not proceed upon any Bill (including any amendment to a Bill) that, in the opinion of the person presiding, would, if enacted, alter any of the provisions of this Constitution or affect-
(a) the designation, recognition, removal of powers of Dikgosi or Dikgosana
(b) the organization, powers or administration of customary courts;
(c) customary law, or the ascertainment or recording of customary law; or
(d) tribal organization or tribal property,
unless-
(i) a copy of the Bill has been referred to the Ntlo ya Dikgosi after it has been introduced in the National Assembly; and
(ii) a period of 30 days has elapsed from the date when the copy of the Bill was referred to the Ntlo ya Dikgosi. (Sec. 88)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe law establishes the rules concerning:
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- the procedure according to which customs [coutumes] will be declared and brought into harmony with the fundamental principles of the Constitution;
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- the status of the traditional leadership [chefferie];
… (Art. 99) - FrenchLa loi fixe les règles concernant :
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- la procédure selon laquelle les coutumes seront constatées et mises en harmonie avec les principes fondamentaux de la Constitution ;
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- le statut de la chefferie traditionnelle ;
... (Art. 99)
Customary Law
- English...
(2) In exercising judicial authority, the courts and tribunals shall be guided by the following principles—
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(c) alternative forms of dispute resolution including reconciliation, mediation, arbitration and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms shall be promoted, subject to clause (3);
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(3) Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms shall not be used in a way that—
(a) contravenes the Bill of Rights;
(b) is repugnant to justice and morality or results in outcomes that are repugnant to justice or morality; or
(c) is inconsistent with this Constitution or any written law. (Art. 159) - Swahili...
(2) Katika kutumia mamlaka ya mahakama, mahakama na mabaraza yataongozwa na kanuni zifuatazo-
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(c) njia mbadala za utatuzi wa mgogoro ikiwa ni pamoja na maridhiano, upatanishi, usuluhishi na njia za kijadi za utatuzi wa mgogoro zitahamasishwa, kwa kuzingatia ibara ya (3) ;
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(3) Njia za kijadi za utatuzi wa mgogoro hazitatumika kwa njia ambayo—
(a) inakiuka Sheria ya Haki za Binadamu;
(b) inakinzana na haki na maadili au husababisha matokeo ambayo yanakinzana na haki au maadili; au
(c) ni kinyume cha Katiba hii au sheria yoyote iliyoandikwa. (Kifungu cha 159)
Customary Law
- English1. The institution of chieftaincy and traditional institutions are guaranteed and shall exist in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions of the people to whom they apply.
2. Parliament shall not enact legislation which—
a. confers on a person or authority the right to recognise or withdraw the recognition of a chief; or
b. derogates from the honour and dignity of the institution of chieftaincy. (Art. 165)
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)