Civil society organizations in Tonga concerned that customary law amendment could deny women's rights

Tongan MPs have been asked to explain why they unanimously passed a constitutional amendment which some people warn could deny women a right to justice. Clause 89A of the constitution, which requires judges to consider custom and tradition in their rulings, was passed without going to public consultation. The move has been strongly criticised by the Tonga Law Society. The director of the Women and Children Crisis Centre, Ofakilevuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki, says they are gravely concerned.
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