to reach agreements on vital matters, such as access to land, the "minifundios" and the regulations of water use, Regarding the participation of indigenous groups in the public life of the country, he said that all citizens, whatever their origin, had access to the highest positions in the State and that several persons Of indigenous origin had played a major role in politics. 109. With reference to article 7 of the Convention, the representative of the State party said that many documents relating to human rights, including those of the ' Rational Association for Human Rights, had been translated into Quechua. That had made the (auechuas better acquainted with their rights and obligations and had thus enabl.ed them to take a more active role in society. 1104 In conclusion, the representative of the State party thanked the members of the Committee for the interest they had shown in the situation in his country and said that Ecuador would provide additional information in its future reports. China 111, The third and fourth periodic reports of China (CERD1C11531Add.2 and CRRD/C/179/Add.l) were considered by the Committee at its 868th, 869th and 87 1st meetings, on 9 and lo August 1990 (CERD1C1SR.868, SR.869 and SR.876). 112. The reports were introduced by the representative of the State party, who outlined their different chapters and referred to a recent statement by his Government's Prime Minister concerning the guarantees of equality and unity for al1 the nationalities of China, and of respect for their freedom of religious belief and for their traditions and customs. The representative drew attention t0 the economic measures which had been taken by the Chinese Government in order to Promote the development of the country's different regions and national minorities. Since 1989 the central Government had approved the establishment of nine national autonomous areas, which had brought the total number of areas to 159, 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the rights of indigenous groups and national minorities in China and Ecuador, specifically regarding access to land, water use, and participation in public life. The representative of the State party also mentions economic measures taken by the Chinese government to promote regional development and respect for national minorities' traditions and customs.

**Category**
Culture, Humanitarian aid and relief