UNICEF has clear evidence of the continuing recruitment and use of children by armed groups in the Central African Republic and is warning leaders that such practices represent a grave violation of international law. According to UNICEF, over 2,000 boys and girls were estimated to be associated with armed groups, including self-defense groups before the latest upsurge of fighting began in December last year. The takeover of the capital by rebels from the Seleka coalition at end of March has not stopped such human rights violations. Recruitment of children for use by armed forces and groups has taken place on both sides of confrontations since December. Since 2007, over 1,000 girls and boys have been released from armed and self-defense groups in CAR. UNICEF has worked with its partners on the ground to provide these children with rehabilitation and reintegration services. Over the past four months, tension, insecurity and a lack of access by humanitarian workers to large parts of the country means that children are at greater risk than ever.