Guatemala: Thousands form human chain to protest violence

Thousands of people met in the early morning hours on Saturday (January 21) to climb a volcano and send a message against violence, in particular domestic violence, in the Latin American country.Called Climb For Life, the British Embassy was one of the main backers of the event which is looking to form a record-breaking human chain up the slopes of the ancient volcano.The British ambassador to Guatemala Julie Chappell told Reuters that the campaign hopes to change cultural attitudes regarding domestic violence in the country.Were doing it as part of a campaign that is all about domestic violence and its trying to get young leaders to start a generational change in attitudes where people say, until now weve sort of accepted there is a culture of violence but no more we dont want this culture of violence. And this is something that young people can change. This is going to be an annual event, this is the first time were doing it, were going to form later today a human chain from the bottom to the top of the volcano. First time that its ever happens, a human chain from the bottom to the top of a volcano. Were expecting about 10,000 people and its pretty busy so we think theyre coming, she said.According to activists, hundreds of women are murdered each year in Guatemala and authorities receive tens of thousands of complaints of domestic violence annually.Looking to draw attention to the plight of women in the country and stop crippling violence in the country, participants want to send a positive message of love to the world.At this moment the people of Guatemala can send a positive message to the world that Guatemala is a country with a lot of violence but we need tourists and foreigners to return to Guatemala. Come and discover the tourist spots like beautiful volcanos such as the one we are visiting today and also to reject violence, in particular domestic violence. The principal message is show love and no more violence, said hiker, Pedro Cruz.