A/HRC/19/51 During extensive meetings and consultations held with representatives of the Government and civil society in Sanaa and Ta’izz, the delegation noted that some positive steps had been taken by the Government. The adoption of an agreement in accordance with the initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which led to the formation of a transitional Government and paves the way for presidential elections to be held on 21 February 2012, brought relative calm and raised the prospect of a peaceful resolution. The Government adopted a decision on 15 November that establishes a framework for the implementation of resolution 18/19 and the recommendations made in the report of the OHCHR assessment mission, including the establishment of a national commission of investigation. Moreover, the Government recently released the majority of those detained in connection with the protests. Nonetheless, the delegation also noted that Yemenis peacefully calling for greater freedoms, an end to corruption and respect for the rule of law continued to be victimized by the excessive and disproportionate use of lethal force in situations where non-lethal measures should have been used. Furthermore, insufficient steps have been taken to investigate allegations of serious human rights violations. The national commission of investigation has not yet been established. The delegation observed that, in Sanaa, armed opposition groups continued to bring weapons into areas of public protest, thereby endangering the lives of the civilians living in or frequenting these areas. Testimonies further indicated that civilians residing in or passing through areas controlled by armed opposition groups in Sanaa and Ta’izz were subjected to routine harassment, intimidation and at times assault at the hands of armed personnel under the command of armed opposition groups. The delegation noted the continued use of children under the age of 18 by both security forces and armed opposition groups. Children were seen by the delegation doing security checks and participating in other military activities. It also received information suggesting that civilians were still being detained by Government security forces without due process and that armed opposition groups continued to illegally detain civilians sympathizing with the Government or security personnel. 2