Chinese actress Yao Chen, who became an honorary patron of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for China in 2010, will extend her patronage through 2011, Xinhuanet.com reports.

The actress received a letter of appointment from the UNHCR yesterday on World Refugee Day at a celebratory ceremony in Hong Kong.

Yao has used her prominence as a public figure to raise public awareness in China for refugees during the past year. She also visited refugees in the Philippines and Thailand.

The actress, who was greatly impressed by the refugees' perseverance and determination, said she would do her best to continue the cause.

A special photo exhibition by UNHCR to publicize knowledge about refugees and worldwide efforts to rescue them was opened to public after the event.