Dozens of children have been killed over the last two weeks in Unity State, according to UNICEF.

The UN agency says more than 12 others have been raped and some, abducted and conscripted into forces carrying out attacks in the state.

“Survivors reported to UNICEF staff that whole villages were burned to the ground by armed groups, while large numbers of girls and women were taken outside to be raped and killed – including children as young as seven,” it stated in a press release.

It says at least 19 boys, some as young as 10 years of age, and seven girls were killed.

“Others were mutilated or recruited to join the fighting and take care of stolen cattle.”

Last week, UNOCHA reported that all non-governmental organizations and UN agencies had to evacuate staff from Leer and other locations due to the increased fighting in the state.

Over 300,000 are in need of emergency relief, including food aid and medical services.

UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Jonathan Veitch, said multiple witness reports are ‘building a chilling picture of the ordeal children are suffering’ as fighting intensifies ahead of the rainy season.

The UN estimates that 13,000 children have been recruited and are being used by all sides of the conflict.