A/HRC/19/51 areas of peaceful demonstrations, such as sit-ins and marches, and ensure that none of their supporters or those under their command opens fire from within peaceful demonstrations, thereby putting the demonstrators at risk of return fire. 36. In Sanaa, the delegation observed that armed opposition groups remained in control of large parts of the city. Change Square, the Old and New University areas and the northwestern part of Sixty street, which host the majority of protesters and opposition supporters, were largely under the control of the forces of the former Chief of the First Armoured Division, Ali Mohsen, who, after defecting from the Government, pledged to protect antiGovernment protesters. Armed groups loyal to Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar controlled Hasaba and Safwan quarters. The delegation found that areas of public protest, including Change Square and University Square, which had witnessed the largest protests in Sanaa, continued to host a range of weapons, including heavy weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades and other long-range weapons. Ad hoc security barriers manned by armed militias were heavily present throughout the areas of Sanaa occupied by armed opposition groups, which had removed some barriers following the signing of the agreement in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative. 37. Another central recommendation made to armed opposition groups was that they ensure that no child under the age of 18 participated in checkpoint activities or in protecting protesters. In the areas occupied by armed opposition groups in Sanaa, the delegation observed the presence of uniformed children clearly under the age of 18 manning checkpoints and guarding areas. 38. The delegation also learned that many residents of areas controlled by armed opposition groups, particularly those perceived to be of opposing political views, continued to suffer from harassment and intimidation. Organizations representing residents of areas occupied by armed opposition groups provided the delegation with numerous testimonies and documents on harassment by factions of the armed security forces. The allegations included repeated mistreatment at security checkpoints, verbal and physical abuse, destruction of property and arbitrary house and car searches. According to testimonies, some people, particularly women and children, were forced to either confine themselves to home or to relocate altogether. The delegation was also informed that several homes had been occupied by armed forces and refitted for military use. 39. During the mission, the delegation noted signs of growing animosity in Change Square. Several clashes between anti-Government organizations of different political ideologies were reported, particularly following the arrival of protesters from Ta’izz taking part in the “march of life”. Witnesses referred to harassment and other acts of intimidation, none of which resulted in killing or serious injury. 40. The delegation also met with civil society organizations representing women. They told of the conditions faced by women who reside and spend time in some of the occupied areas; for example, female students at the University of Sanaa were increasingly forced to relocate or avoid these areas altogether, since they refused to let themselves to be subjected to checks habitually carried out by male security personnel. 41. In Ta’izz, the delegation received information about dozens of security personnel and others affiliated to the Government who had been detained by armed groups. The Governor’s son was among those detained and was only released following the intervention of foreign ambassadors. The delegation also received information indicating that armed groups had abducted a number of security personnel in Ta’izz. The abductors were alleged to have tortured some of their detainees or prevented them from receiving medical care. The delegation raised these issues with opposition leaders and asked them to release all individuals in their detention. 11