GENEVA, June 20 (UNHCR) - People across the world were celebrating World Refugee Day on Wednesday amid a call on the global community to help the world’s displaced and a warning that their numbers were set to rise.

In New York, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in his first World Refugee Day (WRD) message as UN chief that international solidarity was crucial to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of refugees and others forcibly displaced.

“As we mark World Refugee Day, let us recall what sets these families, children and elderly apart from others on the move around the globe. The difference is that they cannot go home. To ensure that they are cared for and protected until they can, let us offer them our support and understanding,” he said.

High Commissioner António Guterres was in Africa Wednesday to celebrate the annual event, while UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors such as Angelina Jolie, Adel Imam, George Dalaras, Muazzed Ersoy and Osvaldo Laport have also lent their support with interviews, appearances and campaigning. There was no specific theme this year, but many countries chose their own.

Global WRD celebrations kicked off in New Zealand. In Wellington, an official ceremony was held at Parliament House while on a nearby soccer pitch a team of celebrities took on a World Refugee All Stars XI. Exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions and a refugee youth work expo were scheduled in other parts of the country.

Across the Tasman Sea in Canberra, Australia, World Refugee Day (WRD) flags flew in the parliamentary zone while the Captain Cook Fountain and other monuments were spotlighted in blue. A spectacular light show was also planned in Switzerland, where acclaimed artist Gerry Hofstetter gave the media a sneak preview on Tuesday of four bridges - one in each of the main linguistic areas of the Alpine nation - that he has illuminated with UNHCR logos, messages and images.

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