A/HRC/17/48 Tape. They had the support of Liberians. Upon his refusal to take up arms, they had forced him to prepare their food. They had explained to him that they would not let him leave as they feared that he would give FDS information about their positions. He had finally been able to escape and had fled to Guiglo. B. Older persons and persons with disabilities 103. The Commission collected a great deal of testimony about older or disabled persons who had been killed or injured during the clashes. Because of their reduced mobility, such persons were often not able to flee and were hit by stray bullets, but sometimes they were victims of summary executions or violence. In a number of cases, older persons volunteered to attempt mediation with armed elements, in particular in Péhé. Lastly, older and/or sick persons also died through lack of care or food when their families were forced to flee. C. Rape and sexual violence against women 104. The Commission heard several women and girls who testified to having been victims of sexual violence perpetrated by armed militiamen, uniformed men and men in traditional Dozo dress in the western region and by armed men accompanied by militiamen in Abidjan. Although many of them were held back by tradition and shame from recounting the suffering inflicted on them through sexual violence, the Commission was able to speak with a few courageous victims who described the brutal manner in which they had been raped. In Duékoué, San Pedro and Abidjan, as well as in refugee camps, the Commission thus met with girls and women who had been victims of rape. D. Displaced persons and refugees 105. Enforced population displacements were one of the major characteristics of the conflict. Although it is extremely difficult to evaluate their number, humanitarian organizations estimate that more than 700,000 persons fled their homes because of the fighting, the general climate of violence or the persecution that they had suffered. The Commission met with a large number of displaced persons, in particular in Abidjan and Duékoué, but was also informed that an indeterminate number are still living in the bush in conditions of extreme hardship. At the time when the Commission was leaving Côte d'Ivoire, population displacements were still continuing, particularly in the direction of Liberia. In all the places visited, the Commission saw the state of destitution in which many displaced persons were living. Many of them had been taken in by foster families, thus putting a further strain on already limited resources. 106. In displaced persons sites as in refugee camps in Liberia, the Commission noted the presence of former combatants, in particular militiamen, associated with the “galaxie patriotique”, giving concern for the security of refugees and internally displaced persons. E. Human rights defenders 107. In the tense and threatening circumstances prevailing, human rights defenders could not do their work. In talks with members of civil society, it was learned that many had suffered violence and persecution and indeed received death threats from both camps. Two of them are still reported missing. The current climate of insecurity and uncertainty does not encourage them to carry on with their activities without misgivings, particularly those who openly supported the Gbagbo Government. 22 GE.11-14375 (EXT)