The United Nations has enlisted Oscar-winning Australian actor Cate Blanchett to help raise awareness about the plight of refugees, amid a massive global displacement crisis.

The UN refugee agency said it had appointed Blanchett as its newest goodwill ambassador, a role also held by US film star Angelina Jolie.

“I am deeply proud to take on this role,” Blanchett said in a statement, stressing that “there has never been a more crucial time to stand with refugees and show solidarity”.

“We are living through an unprecedented crisis, and there must be shared responsibility worldwide,” she added.

Last year, a record 60 million people worldwide were displaced from their homes, and more than one third of them were living as refugees, according to the UNHCR.