than males are enrolled in Namibian schools, that is 91, 4% males compared to 94.8% females. In this regard access to education has improved during the last five years. More class rooms and teachers accommodation have been built, mainly in the rural areas. 20. ARTICLE 18: FAMILY, DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE RIGHT OF WOMEN, PROTECTION OF CHILDREN, AGED AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY Article 14 (3) of the Namibian Constitution provides that the family is a natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. The Marriage Act 25 of 1961 further provides for solemnization of civil marriages. Article 66(1) of the Namibian Constitution recognizes customary law to the extent that it does not conflict with the Constitution, but there is no specific statute dealing with the recognition of customary marriages. The Law Reform and Development Commission has recommended the enactment of a law for the recognition of customary marriages. In terms of Article 4(3)(b) of the Namibian Constitution, a marriage by customary law shall be deemed to be a marriage to enable a person to obtain Namibian citizenship by marriage. The right not to be a compellable witness against a spouse is extended to customary marriages in terms Article 12(f) of the Namibian Constitution. The Children’s Act, Act 33 of 1960, makes provision for the adoption or fostering of children that are left orphaned or became eligible for any of the two alternative care options available. 21. ARTICLE 19 AND 20: PEOPLES RIGHTS TO SELF-DETERMINATION Namibia attained independence as a unitary State in 1990. As a result Namibia continues to protect its borders as recognized by the international community and the Constitution. 22. ARTICLE 21 AND 22: NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS 22.1 All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth or natural resources – rights to development Article 100 of the Namibian Constitution provides that land, water and natural resources below and above the surface of the land and in the - 42 -