UNITED NATIONS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- An official of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Friday called on all parties to the conflict in the Central African Republic to ensure that children are kept safe from the violence, as recent attacks by armed groups on villages in the country's northwest left at least at least 54 civilians dead.

UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marie-Pierre Poirier, said in a statement that "this massacre marks a low point since the fragile peace and reconciliation process was agreed in February."

"UNICEF reiterates its call on all parties to the conflict to ensure that children are kept safe from the violence and to adhere to the peace agreement," Poirier said.

Over the past six years, repeated attacks and violence against civilians have left 2.9 million people, or half of the country, in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the official.

Children have been targeted by armed groups, caught in the crossfire and recruited to the fighting, Poirier said, adding that the places children rely on for protection and support - schools, hospitals and places of worship - have also come under attack.

An estimated 43,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year and will be at imminent risk of death, Poirier said.