KATHMANDU: People from various walks of life including the government officials, diplomats, refugee of diverse nationalities and locals of Kathmandu on Saturday participated in a cycle rally organised with an aim to to express solidarity with refugees all around the world.

According to a press statement issued by the UNHCR today, more than 500 people had participated in the event that was organised with the theme 'Ride for Refugees' for the World Refugee Day, which befalls on June 20.

“Nepal has a proud tradition of providing asylum to refugees, rooted in its diverse cultures and peoples who, collectively, have demonstrated remarkable hospitality and goodwill,” said Kevin J Allen, UNHCR Representative in Nepal.

The country has hosted Tibetan refugees since the late 1950s, Bhutanese refugees since the early 1990s and, more recently, small numbers of newly arrived refugees from diverse countries who reside in Kathmandu.

In 2017, the number of persons forcibly displaced has reached 65.6 million persons — the highest figure since World War II, and roughly equivalent to the population of the United Kingdom or Thailand, stated the statement.

Unlike much of the world, the number of refugees in Nepal has dramatically decreased in recent years, thanks to substantial support from the international community, read the statement.

"Since 2007, almost 110,000 refugees in Nepal have been resettled to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. "

Similarly, a photo and art exhibition would also be organised at Labim Mall in Pulchowk, highlighting refugee stories in Nepal from June 17-20.

Meanwhile, a refugee fair would be held at Beldangi Refugee Camp in Damak on Tuesday to celebrate solidarity and shared bonds between local residents and Bhutanese refugees.

The fair will illustrate the daily contributions refugees make to host communities and will include Nepalese and Bhutanese food, handicrafts, cultural events and theatrical performances, stated the statement adding, it will bring local communities and refugees together to celebrate the many bonds they share, and the dreams to which they aspire.