Widespread politically motivated violence, committed primarily by forces loyal to Gbagbo, has claimed hundreds of lives. Human Rights Watch has documented how, for nearly three months, Gbagbo's forces have targeted Ouattara’s real and perceived supporters, killing, raping, and “disappearing” them.

Gbagbo’s security forces have fired live ammunition, fragmentation grenades, and rocket-propelled grenades into crowds. His forces even abducted wounded Ouattara supporters from a hospital, some of whom were later found dead.

Pro-Gbagbo troops have also been killed, as forces loyal to Ouattara have become increasingly aggressive.

In recent months, both sides have recruited massive numbers of fighters – including Liberian mercenaries.

During the civil war and its aftermath, Human Rights Watch documented serious abuses by all sides, including massacres, executions, torture, and recruitment of child soldiers.

We will continue investigating abuses as the crisis develops, given the grave threat to civilians.

Human Rights Watch' web.