The international community must step up to support countries facing attacks by Boko Haram militants, who are accused of a litany of atrocities, African nations told the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday.

In a draft resolution, the countries called on the international community "to provide an active and multifaceted support to Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and other states affected by actions of the terrorist group Boko Haram".

The text, presented during a rare special council session, stressed that such assistance should be given upon request from the affected countries "and in close collaboration with their respective governments".