Thousands of Guatemalans climbed atop a volcano and staged a demonstration calling for an end to the surging domestic violence in their country.

Nearly 12,000 people, mostly youngsters, joined the event which was named the "walk for life" on top of Volcan de Agua or "Water Volcano". The country's new president, Otto Perez, also joined the campaigners. Perez descended on the peak of the mountain in a helicopter and presented a national flag to the protesters.

According to figures, nearly 700 women get killed each year in the country in cases of domestic violence.

The 12,3800-feet peak, close to the city of Antigua, is inactive. It is situated nearly 45 miles southeast of Guatemala City.

Guatemala volcano protest
People climb up the Volcan de Agua to participate in the Subida por la Vida event to campaign for peace, about 60 km from Guatemala City. Reuters
Guatemala volcano protest
People climb up the Volcan de Agua to participate in the Subida por la Vida event to campaign for peace, about 60 km from Guatemala City. Reuters
Guatemala volcano protest
People climb up the Volcan de Agua to participate in the Subida por la Vida event to campaign for peace, about 60 km from Guatemala City. Reuters
Guatemala volcano protest
People climb up the Volcan de Agua to participate in the Subida por la Vida event to campaign for peace, about 60 km from Guatemala City. Reuters
Guatemala volcano protest
Soldiers of the Guatemalan Army participate in the Subida por la Vida event, to provide security for the event, about 60 km from Guatemala City. Reuters
Guatemala volcano protest
People display a giant heart on the summit of Volcan de Agua for the Subida por la Vida event to campaign for peace, about 60 km from Guatemala City. Reuters
Guatemala volcano protest
Chapell, British Ambassador to Guatemala, climbs up Volcan de Agua to participate in the Subida por la Vida event to campaign for peace, about 60 km from Guatemala City. Reuters
Guatemala volcano protest
A man holds up the Guatemalan flag at the summit of Volcan de Agua to participate in the Subida por la Vida event, about 60 km from Guatemala City. Reuters