A/HRC/19/72 political manipulation of ethnicity, exacerbated by the recurring issue of rural land ownership. 16. In 2004, under his previous mandate as Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the independent expert observed during his visit to Côte d’Ivoire that its society was marked by something he believes is characteristic of all multi-ethnic societies, namely an undercurrent of ethnic and cultural tension, which can be transformed into conflict or coexistence, depending on the ideological or economic context, but ultimately also depending on the moral outlook and practices of political leaders. Against this background of identity-related tension, the Special Rapporteur observed that Côte d’Ivoire was racked by division and discrimination. 17. In the independent expert’s view the inter-ethnic fabric has unravelled, especially in the west, where issues relating to land ownership and coffee and cocoa growing have become a focal point for tensions between indigenous and non-indigenous population groups. The independent expert visited Daloa and Duékoué and observed that, despite the seeming calm, tensions between various ethnic and religious groups persist and occasionally lead to serious human rights violations. This situation requires immediate action by the Government and other stakeholders. 18. The independent expert also noted the continued use in certain media, particularly online social networks, of rhetoric advocating tribal and religious hatred. This situation is alarming and may lead to the polarization of the country’s society along ethnic, community and religious lines and hinder ongoing efforts to achieve national reconciliation. C. The challenge of security 19. Security is a key factor in the country’s crisis. The Government is making efforts to improve security, which remains a problem in most areas. The country is still fragile, as during convalescence, after a deep and lasting trauma caused by a climate of insecurity affecting the personal, family and professional spheres. 20. Security remains a problem in some parts of Abidjan and in the western part of the country, which has seen the most serious human rights violations of the post-election crisis. The authorities have noted an increase in abuses and serious crime, especially in Abidjan and the west. In Abidjan between June and November 2011 this increase in crime mainly involved car robberies and armed attacks, particularly in the communes of Cocody and Yopougon. 21. The police and the gendarmerie, water, forestry, border-control and justice services have been restored in the central, northern and western areas, which were formerly under the control of the Forces Nouvelles rebels. This vigorous effort by the State to assert its authority throughout the country involves restoring the operational capacity of public authorities by appointing Government representatives for each administrative district. In some areas the process is going smoothly with the cooperation of the Forces Républicaines de Côte d’Ivoire (FRCI), which until now performed key State functions. In other areas, particularly those formerly controlled by the Forces Nouvelles, including the north and west, there are continuing tensions between the new authorities and FRCI commanders. 22. The police and the gendarmerie lack the human and logistical resources needed properly to perform their law-enforcement functions. The police are not fully operational and some police stations are still occupied by FRCI members. 23. The Government has also begun dismantling illegal checkpoints throughout the country to prevent abuses. In this connection, on 5 October 2011 the authorities established a brigade to combat extortion and harassment on the highways. The UNOCI peacekeeping 6 GE.12-10060