- 25 - Government to furnish further and precise written responses to questions posed is welcomed. The Committee appreciates the subsequent prompt submission of those replies on 5 May 1995 by the Government of the Republic of Korea. B. Positive aspects 66. The Committee notes with satisfaction the significant and rapid economic growth during the past 30 years in the Republic of Korea and that the considerable material progress achieved should lay the foundation for the enhanced enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. The Committee further notes the first steps taken towards the development of a social security system appropriate to a country at the Republic of Korea’s stage of development. Further positive developments in the Korean society are evidenced by the virtual eradication of illiteracy among all sectors of society other than older persons, the increase in the level of life expectancy and the efforts to increase the national housing pool. 67. The Committee takes note of the recent legislative attempts to address the problem of violence against women in the family and to recognize the rights of women to inheritance. 68. The Committee welcomes the establishment of human rights focal points in the major government ministries, including the provision of legal aid through the introduction of the Public Legal Officers System. C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Covenant 69. The Committee recognizes that the Republic of Korea is passing through a period of social and political transition. The developments in each of these areas have not been sufficiently balanced. The efforts and achievements in securing outstanding and rapid economic growth have not always been matched by an appropriate level of protection of economic, social and cultural rights. It is also acknowledged that the country has only recently emerged from a sustained period of military rule to a system of democratic government and that it faces a heavy agenda of changes in the establishment of a civic society, particularly in the face of deeply entrenched social prejudices. Finally, problems deriving from the political partition of the Korean peninsula continue to impose a pervasive fortress mentality arising from perceived threats to national security. D. Principal subjects of concern 70. The Committee is concerned as to the status of the Covenant in national law. Although representatives of the Republic of Korea have asserted that all domestic legislation is consistent with the provisions of the Covenant, the Committee remains concerned that no mechanisms exist permitting the verification of compatibility between domestic legislation and the provisions of the Covenant. 71. The Committee is of the view that restrictions concerning the right to form trade unions are not consistent with the obligations assumed by the Republic of Korea under article 8 of the Covenant. There is no apparent reason for the ban on the formation of trade unions by groups such as the