MethodologyThis report is based on field research conducted during August, September, and October 2007 in Abidjan and Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. As part of this research, Human Rights Watch interviewed over 50 current and former university students, including the leaders of seven different student unions and associations. The large majority of students interviewed identified themselves as either current or former members of FESCI. Of the 50, five were interviewed in small groups, and the rest were interviewed individually. In addition to students, Human Rights Watch interviewed Ivorian university professors; high school teachers; police officers; judges; current and former officials with the Ministries of Higher Education, Justice, and Interior; representatives from the New Forces rebels;1 representatives from the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (ONUCI); diplomats; officials working in a mayor’s office; journalists; transporters unions; and merchants operating near university facilities. In addition to this 2007 research, in previous missions to Côte d’Ivoire since 2000, Human Rights Watch has tracked and documented violence perpetrated by members of pro-government groups such as FESCI. Those missions involved interviews with a wide circle of sources including victims of FESCI abuses, diplomats, United Nations officials, members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Ivorian government officials from all sides. Some of this research has been used in the present report. Care was taken with victims to ensure that recounting their experience did not further traumatize them or put them at physical risk. The interviews were conducted in French. The names of all witnesses to incidents have been withheld in order to protect their identity, privacy, and security. At their request, the names of police, judges, and several other government officials have been withheld due to security concerns. Human Rights Watch identified victims and eyewitnesses through the help of several local organizations, all of whom requested that their identities remain confidential. 1 Since an unsuccessful coup attempt in late 2002, Côte d’Ivoire has been divided between a rebel-controlled north, and a government-controlled south. Due to the rebels’ (known as the “New Forces”) participation in an ongoing peace process and membership in a unity government, local Ivorian press and several other institutions have begun to use the term “ex-rebels” when referring to members of the New Forces. For reasons of historical consistency, together with the fact that the New Forces have not yet fully disarmed, the term “rebel” is maintained throughout this report. |