Tribal chiefs in the remote Pacific island of Vanuatu has taken a drastic step based on a tradition that has not been invoked in 200 years: a children swap to end a long-running tribal war.

Seth Kaurua, from the Vanuatu Council of Chiefs, said the feud between the two tribes had been going on for 27 years, but the chiefs had to step in when it turned violent and several people were injured. "The practice on Tanna for resolving a dispute, whenever it turns to violence, is that we have to use our traditional way.

"One tribe gives away a child, female or male, to the other tribe and the other tribe has to do the same." The aim of the exchange was to "build a bridge between the two tribes and make the relationship stronger."

Mr Kaurua acknowledged that the practice may raise eyebrows outside the Pacific, but said it was "a normal part of our traditional life" in Vanuatu.

Do you agree with the ethics of swapping children (even if it's for the greater good of the tribes?) Link