a new constitution due to be proclaimed the following year and guarantees for human rights, political freedoms and press freedoms. Stability, calm and optimism prevailed in public life throughout the country. In particular, there had been progress in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, ~rhere thousands of people had returned to their homes and where economic and social progress had been achieved. There had been a general amnesty for prisoners except for those condemned for espionage, drug-trafficking or murder. 2. He was glad that some members of the Sub-Commission had taken adv·antage of the invitation extended by the Iraqi Human Rights Association to visit Iraq in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the situation there, especially in the northern part of the country. He hoped that they would inform their colleagues of what they had seen. The Iraqi Human Rights Association intended to extend an invitation for a mission to visit Iraq whenever the situation permitted. 3. The human rights situation in Palestine and the occupied Arab territories was deplorable. Schools and universities had been closed, there was a ban on trade unions and press freedom, and Palestinians had been physically tortured. Because of the deterioration in the situation it was essential for the Sub-Commission's resolutions to be implemented. The resolutions of international bodies were applied selectively according to the interests of various countries in the world. 4. His delegation was optimistic in regard to the situation in South Africa and hoped that the people of that country would recover their economic, political, social and cultural rights with the abolition of apartheid and the implementation of all human rights instruments. 5. Iraq was in somewhat special circumstances because of the current situation in the Gulf, which some wished to exploit. Some representatives of non-governmental organizations had frankly said that there could be no better 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the human rights situation in various countries, including Iraq, Palestine, and South Africa. It also mentions the progress made in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. The text does not discuss economic development, natural resources, or specific industries, but rather focuses on human rights, freedom, and political situations.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Education, Culture