(AFP) – Mass abductions of children by groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State are on the rise, with the practice now becoming a tactic of war, a UN envoy warned Wednesday. Leila Zerrougui, the special representative for children and conflict, urged the Security Council to punish armed groups who target children with sanctions and strengthen measures to protect children in conflict. “Mass abductions of women and children are becoming a tactic of war used systematically to terrorize, suppress and humiliate entire communities,” Zerrougui told the 15-member council.
