With the help of international political, religious and cultural leaders, the UN hopes to eradicate violence against women and girls worldwide. To that end, UN chief Ban Ki-moon urged men of all ages from countries around the world to join its newly created "Network of Men Leaders."

"Violence against women and girls will not be eradicated until all of us - men and boys - refuse to tolerate it," Ban said at a news conference, where he launched the network.

The UN secretary general said that it is unacceptable that some 70 percent of women experience some form of physical or sexual violence during their lifetime from men, most of them from husbands, intimate partners or someone else they know.

The new UN initiative was announced on the eve of the 10th UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In 1999, the General Assembly had designated November 25 as the day aimed at raising awareness of the plight of many women worldwide.

Network of male role models

At its launch, the "Network of Men Leaders" had 14 members, including Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, Brazilian author Paulo Coelho and South African Bishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu said in a video message that he would fight until the end of his days for the right of women and girls to live without fear of violence.

Ban said the leaders were chosen because they had demonstrated a commitment to oppose violence against women. He added that he expected the group to grow.

db/AP/AFP/dpa
Editor: Nancy Isenson