CRC/C/15/Add.58 page 2 for the indigenous peoples. In this connection, the Committee notes the adoption of the Agreement on the Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Agreement on Socio-Economic Aspects and the Agrarian Situation. The ratification by Guatemala of International Labour Organization Convention No. 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries is also welcomed. 5. Further positive developments as evidenced by the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights, the Agreement on Resettlement of the Population Groups Uprooted by the Armed Conflict, and the establishment of the United Nations Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), particularly its human rights component, are noted with interest. Additional measures taken with a view to strengthening the monitoring and implementation of human rights are noted. In this regard, the Committee notes with satisfaction the establishment of the Office of the Human Rights Procurator and its Children’s Ombudsman. 6. The establishment of the Presidential Commission for Coordinating Policy in the Field of Human Rights and the work of the Social Committee within the Cabinet of Ministers are also noted with interest, especially as regards the formulation of policies for improving the social and economic development of the most vulnerable groups in Guatemalan society. C. Factors and difficulties 7. Over 30 years of armed conflict in the country have left a legacy of human rights violations, impunity and a climate of fear and intimidation which hampers the confidence of the population in the ability of procedures and mechanisms to ensure respect for human rights. 8. The decades of conflict affecting society have resulted in the frequent use of violence, including within the family. 9. As recognized by the State party, the root causes of the armed conflict need to be tackled, embedded as they are in socio-economic disparities and uneven land distribution as well as in historical social contrasts within the country. High levels of poverty and illiteracy and discrimination against the indigenous population and those living in poverty contribute to widespread violations of human rights. 10. Problems relating to the situation of refugees, internally displaced and "returnees" have also arisen out of the armed conflict. In this connection, the difficult task of meeting the needs and expectations of the population which remained in or fled from the country during the period of armed conflict is recognized. D. Principal subjects of concern 11. The inadequacy of measures adopted to allocate priority to the implementation of the principles and provisions of the Convention and the absence of a national policy for children, are matters of concern to the Committee.