In a press release updated on Dec. 30 by UNICEF, the human rights group called on armed forces in the Central African Republic to insure the protection of children and not allow militia groups to target or recruit them into violence.
UNICEF has reported at least two beheadings of children and 16 deaths including one mutilation since the violence began on Dec. 5. In 2012, the number of children soldiers had doubled to 6,000, according to CNN.
"We are witnessing unprecedented levels of violence against children. More and more children are being recruited into armed groups, and they are also being directly targeted in atrocious revenge attacks," Souleymane Diabate, a UNICEF Representative, said in the statement.
"Targeted attacks against children are a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law and must stop immediately. Concrete action is needed now to prevent violence against children," Diabate added.
In the statement Diabate called for armed forces "were accountable for taking specific measures to provide this crucial protection to children" including authority figures who should warn against violations against children.
The statement called for an order by authority figures to protect children from being recruited to fight as well as the release of all children associated with armed forces and groups.
Almost half of the population in Bangui has been displaced leading UNICEF to call for attacks against health and education personal and transit centers be stopped so that safe passage of humanitarian efforts can be carried out.
Since the violence began more than a year ago, 935,000 people have been internally displaced throughout the country since the outbreak of violence over a year ago leading UNICEF to increase relief efforts for the displaced, according to CNN.
They are currently working on obtaining safe water, sanitation facilities and medical supplies, and setting up safe spaces for children.
Central African Republic's violence began when rebels ousted President Francois Bozize last year in March after he was accused of turning his back on a peace deal, according to CNN. After the peace deal failed, rebel groups have seized numerous towns and have been in charge of Bangui since March.
The rebel group in charge, Seleka, is mostly Muslim, and with Christian groups fighting back against them the country may be facing a genocide, according to CNN.
