Although Iraq was facing very difficult conditions that had resulted from the war and the present economic situation, those tragic circuit'stances could not dispense the Government of Iraq from its obligations under the Covenant. Accordingly, he expressed the hope that the concerns expressed by members of the Committee would be conveyed to the Government and would contribute to an improved observance of human rights in Iraq. ECUADOR 219. The Committee considered the third periodic report of Ecuador (CCPR/C/58/Add.9) at its 1116th to 1119th meetings, on 6 and 7 November 1991 (CCPR/C/SR.1116-1119). (For the composition of the delegation, see annex VIII,) 220. The report was introduced by the representative of the State party, who noted that great efforts had been made by Ecuador in recent years to promote human rights. Ihe feeling of insecurity and the climate of fear that had prevailed in the period 1984-1988 had been replaced by a tolerant democratic system and by a peaceful attitude on the part of the present Government. Isolated cases of human rights violations still occurred, however. Where certain authorities had in some way heen involved in such cases, because of the low level of awareness of some members of the police force and the difficulties involved in changing their mentality, the Government had acted forcefully and responsibly against them. 221. Referring to a number of important developments in the field of human rights that had occurred in his country since the submission of the report, the representative explained that on the basis of a report from an international commission set up to investigate the cases of two young Colombian brothers who had disappeared in Ecuador, the Criminal Investigation Service had been dismantled and replaced by a judicial police body. In addition, a number of police officers involved in the tragedy had been arrested. An Office of Director-General for Human Rights, which had benefited from United Nations assistance, had also been set up within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One of its achievements had been the adoption of specific policy changes relating to social rehabilitation, which included the reconstruction of the country's detention centres. An agreement allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross to interview prisoners had also been concluded and training courses in human rights for members of the armed forces and the police had been instituted. A comprehensive review of criminal legislation and procedures was also to be conducted. Additionally, the Government had concluded a peace agreement with certain guerrilla groups, which had subsequently been disarmed and disbanded. 222. Another important human rights development in recent years had been the initiation of a dialogue with indigenous communities. Following the largest uprising of indigenous peoples in Ecuador's history in 1990, a dialogue was undertaken with the leaders of the Indian community, which had proved to be very fruitful. In~depth and far-reaching reforms had been adopted, including the introduction of bilingual education and the donation of over 1 million hectares of land. -50-