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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
Lesotho
- English1. There shall be a College of Chiefs which, subject to the provisions of subsection (3), shall consist of the twenty-two Principal Chiefs.
… (Sec. 104)
Customary Law
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- English…
The civil and military Courts and Tribunals apply the duly ratified international treaties, the laws, [and] the regulatory acts, provided that they are in conformity with the laws as well as customary [law] unless the latter is contrary to the public order or to morality.
… (Art. 153) - French…
Les Cours et Tribunaux, civils et militaires, appliquent les traités internationaux dûment ratifiés, les lois, les actes réglementaires pour autant qu’ils soient conformes aux lois ainsi que la coutume pour autant que celle-ci ne soit pas contraire à l’ordre public ou aux bonnes mœurs.
… (Art. 153)
Customary Law
Zambia
- 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
Solomon Islands
- English(1) Subject to this paragraph, the principles and rules of the common law and equity shall have effect as part of the law of Solomon Islands, save in so far as:-
…
(c) in their application to any particular matter, they are inconsistent with customary law applying in respect of that matter.
… (Schedule 3, Sec. 2)
Customary Law
Sierra Leone
- English(1) The institution of Chieftaincy as established by customary law and usage and its non- abolition by legislation is hereby guaranteed and preserved.
(2) Without derogating from the generality of the provisions of subsection (1), no provision of law in so far as it provides for the abolition of the office of Paramount Chief as existing by customary law and usage immediately before the entry into force of this Constitution, shall have effect unless it is included in an Act of Parliament and the provisions of Section 108 shall apply in relation to the Bill for such an Act as they apply in relation to the Bill for an Act of Parliament that alters any of the provisions of this Constitution that are referred to in subsection (3) of that section.
(3) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with, or in contravention of, the provisions of subsection (1) to the extent that the law in question makes provision for the determination, in accordance with appropriate customary law and usage, of the validity of the nomination, election, unseating or replacement of any Paramount Chief, or the question of restraining in any way the exercise of any rights, duties, privileges or functions conferred upon, or enjoyed by him, by virtue of his office or the installation or deposition of a person as a Paramount Chief.
(4) A Paramount Chief may be removed from office by the President for any gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office if after a public inquiry conducted under the Chairmanship of a Judge of the High Court or a Justice of Appeal or a Justice of the Supreme Court, the Commission of Inquiry makes an adverse finding against the Paramount Chief, and the President is of the opinion that it is in the public interest that the Paramount Chief should be removed.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and in furtherance of the provisions of this section, Parliament shall make laws for the qualifications, election, powers, functions, removal and other matters connected with Chieftaincy. (Sec. 72)
Customary Law
Rwanda
- English…
Unwritten customary law remains applicable provided it has not been replaced by written law, is not inconsistent with the Constitution, laws, and orders, and neither violates human rights nor prejudices public security or good morals. (Art. 176) - Kinyarwanda…
Amategeko gakondo atanditse akomeza gukurikizwa gusa iyo atasimbuwe n’amategeko yanditse kandi akaba atanyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga, amategeko, n'amateka cyangwa ngo abe abangamiye uburenganzira bwa Muntu, ituze rusange rya rubanda cyangwa imyitwarire iboneye. (Ingingo ya 176) - French…
La coutume ne demeure applicable que pour autant qu’elle n’ait pas été remplacée par une loi et qu’elle n’ait rien de contraire à la Constitution, aux lois et aux arrêtés ou ne porte pas atteinte aux droits de la personne, à l’ordre public et aux bonnes mœurs. (Art. 176)
Customary Law
Zimbabwe
- English(1) The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must promote and preserve cultural values and practices which enhance the dignity, well-being and equality of Zimbabweans.
...
(3) The State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must take measures to ensure due respect for the dignity of traditional institutions. (Sec. 16)
Customary Law
Uganda
- 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
Papua New Guinea
- English(1) Subject to Subsections (2) and (3), custom is adopted, and shall be applied and enforced, as part of the underlying law.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of any custom that is, and to the extent that it is, inconsistent with a Constitutional Law or a statute, or repugnant to the general principles of humanity.
(3) An Act of the Parliament may—
(a) provide for the proof and pleading of custom for any purpose; and
(b) regulate the manner in which, or the purposes for which, custom may be recognized, applied or enforced; and
(c) provide for the resolution of conflicts of custom. (Schedule 2.1)
Customary Law
Ghana
- English…
(3) A Regional House of Chiefs shall—
(a) perform such functions as may be conferred upon it by or under an Act of Parliament;
(b) advise any person or authority charged under this Constitution or any other law with any responsibility for any matter relating to or affecting chieftaincy in the region;
(c) hear and determine appeals from the traditional councils within the region in respect of the nomination, election, selection, installation or deposition of a person as a chief;
(d) have original jurisdiction in all matters relating to a paramount stool or skin or the occupant of a paramount stool or skin, including a queenmother to a paramount stool or skin;
(e) undertake a study and make such general recommendations as are appropriate for the resolution or expeditious disposition of chieftaincy disputes in the region;
(f) undertake the compilation of the customary laws and lines of succession applicable to each stool or skin in the region.
… (Art. 274)