White Lotus star Theo James has been announced as a goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

"I am very proud to be able to join UNHCR as a goodwill ambassador," James said in a press release. "My family's experience has given me an understanding of the sacrifices and struggles that refugees face. During World War II, my grandfather was forced to flee in a small boat from Greece to Syria, and his courage and resilience helped make a difference in the lives of displaced people."This new role has come a long way for James, who has met and collaborated with asylum seekers and refugees in Greece, France and Jordan since 2016.

Experience in these fleeing wars has highlighted how important UNHCR's work is to James. "No one chooses to be a refugee. But we can all choose how we respond to people in need of a sanctuary where life depends on it," he said in the release.

"Refugees arrive in new countries with skills, qualifications and ideas, and they just need the opportunity to contribute." My grandfather was welcomed by the Syrian people, offered shelter, was able to rebuild his life as a doctor and return something. That is why it is important to stand in solidarity with refugees fleeing conflict today and help them share their stories. They need our support more than ever."

The appointment of James comes just as UNHCR has released new figures, which showed that there are currently 120 million displaced people worldwide.

On the UNHCR website, you can learn more about the organization's activities, including how to participate and how to donate.