E/C.12/1/Add.17 page 3 and the adoption of sanctions. In this respect, the Committee, reiterating the concern it expressed in its previous concluding observations (E/C.12/1994/6, para. 6), notes that sufficient measures have not been taken to date by the authorities to alleviate the extremely difficult living conditions of the Iraqi population and the deprivation of most of their basic economic, social and cultural rights. 11. The Committee expresses regrets for the lack of statistical information on the economic, social and cultural situation in Iraq in the report and in the dialogue with the delegation. 12. The Committee notes with concern the lack of information on any measures taken by the State party to spread awareness of human rights, and especially economic, social and cultural rights, among the population. 13. The Committee expresses concern about reports of discrimination against members of certain minorities, and especially the Kurds, Marsh people, Assyrians, Shi’a Muslims and Turkomans, with respect to their enjoyment of rights under the Covenant. Furthermore, the Committee notes with deep concern reports stating that the effect of the embargo is harsher on members of racial, ethnic or religious minorities, and that there exists discrimination in the allocation by the authorities of the limited resources available between rural and urban areas, and against the southern region with respect to the Marsh people. 14. With respect to article 3 of the Covenant, the Committee expresses concern about discrimination against women, in law and in practice, concerning inheritance rights, freedom of movement, family law, equal remuneration for equal work, and access to employment. With respect to the latter, the Committee notes with concern that the unemployment rate is higher among women than among men. 15. The Committee expresses its concern that it is possible, under Law No. 104 of 1981 and the Penal Code, to condemn a person to compulsory labour, as a part of a prison sentence, in cases of expression of political opinions or ideological opposition to the political, social or economic system, for breach of labour discipline or for participation in strikes. The Committee finds that this practice is designed to prevent or inhibit free expression in relation to policies and practices which have a direct bearing upon the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. 16. The Committee notes with concern that, in contravention of the provisions of article 8 of the Covenant, independent trade unions are not allowed in Iraq, since the 1987 Trade Union Organization Law establishes a single trade union structure, centralized within the General Federation of Trade Unions, which is in turn controlled by the ruling Ba’ath party. The Committee also notes that public sector workers and workers in State-owned enterprises are not allowed to join trade unions. Furthermore, the Committee notes with concern that the 1987 Law does not recognize the right to bargain collectively and that severe restrictions, including penal sanctions, are imposed on the right to strike.