A/HRC/17/49 board three 4x4 vehicles and two armoured vehicles, including one belonging to the Brigade anti-émeute (BAE) arrived at the scene and, without warning, indiscriminately opened fire on the crowd, killing six women on the spot, while the seventh died on the way to hospital and several others were wounded. 13. The Human Rights Division of UNOCI was able to establish that the women’s demonstration in Abobo was peaceful, making the use of force, in particular lethal force, by the elements of the FDS who opened fire without warning a serious violation of the human rights to life and freedom of expression and assembly. The team met with the medical personnel of Abobo-Sud clinic, where most of the victims received treatment, but could not visit the hospital itself due to a refusal by the medical authorities, citing security reasons. Video footage of the incident with shocking details on the course of the event was made available by a witness and later also posted on the Internet. 14. Even though the Gbagbo camp denied the involvement of FDS elements in the incident, the investigations confirmed that they were present in the area and had in fact shot at the peaceful demonstration. As with previous incidents, no concrete steps were taken by the Gbagbo camp to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable. B. The shelling of densely populated areas 15. The period before 11 April was also marked by the indiscriminate shelling of densely populated districts of Abidjan such as Abobo, which is considered to be the stronghold of President Ouattara. On 11 March 2011, three children, aged 12, 6 and 2 respectively, were killed by FDS shells during the fighting. Evidence collected in situ indicates that the FDS used heavy weapons, including rockets and mortars, to attack the “Commando Invisible” of armed elements supporting President Ouattara, in the Abobo area. On 15 March, the security situation in Abidjan further deteriorated. Sustained gun and heavy artillery fire were heard in several neighbourhoods in Abidjan during what were believed to be clashes between the elements of the FDS backed by militias and the “Commando Invisible”, on the one hand, and between FDS elements and supporters of RHDP on the other. Preliminary investigation indicated that at least five civilians were killed and 40 others wounded during these clashes. 16. There was also a report of the shelling, on 17 March, of a densely populated area of Abobo, including a number of private houses and the local market. This attack resulted in the killing of more than 25 civilians with more than 40 wounded. Shelling impacts were visible throughout the market and at least three houses were destroyed by the shells in the area of SOS village d’enfants, killing one person who was asleep at the time of the incident. The fragments of the shells collected on the scene enabled UNOCI to establish that 81-mm mortar shells were used. A crater analysis of the impact of the shells followed by concurring statements by witnesses indicated that the shells were fired from Camp Commando, an FDS base located just north of the SOS Village d’Enfants. C. Allegations of mass graves 17. On 14 and 16 March, Human Rights Officers finally gained access to the alleged sites in N’dotré to investigate the allegations of mass graves after two previous attempts, on 20 and 28 December, had been impeded by pro-Gbagbo forces.1 The investigating team did not find any evidence or traces supporting the allegations. However, the team was informed 1 As of 14 March, the area was under the control of the Commando Invisible. 7