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customary law

Alternative name(s): norms

Definition Source References

Law consisting of customs that are accepted as legal requirements or obligatory rules of conduct; practices and beliefs that are so vital and intrinsic a part of a social and economic system that they are treated as if they were laws.

Sustainable use assessment Convention on Biological Diversity, 2018

Customary law forms part of forms part of international and domestic law and stems from the customary norms of a particular group of peoples.

Asia-Pacific assessment

Law based on tradition in communities where the authority of traditional leadership is recognised. It exists where there is a commonly repeated practice which is accepted as law by the members of a community.

Global assessment (1st work programme), Land degradation and restoration assessment

Law consisting of commonly repeated customs, practices and beliefs that are accepted as legal requirements or obligatory rules of conduct.

Europe and Central Asia assessment Adapted from Akwe Kon Voluntary guidelines for the conduct of cultural, environmental and social impact assessments regarding developments on sacred sites and on lands and waters traditionally occupied or used by indigenous or local communities