In pictures: Global march for peace

The recently freed French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt has urged Colombia's Farc rebels to release all hostages, on a day of worldwide protests calling for an end to kidnappings and for peace.

Ms Betancourt was rescued by the Colombian military earlier this month after six years in captivity. At a rally in Paris, she told the Farc rebels: "The time has come to exchange those rifles for roses."

Her words were met with cheers from crowds of supporters waving the Colombian flag. Her speech was also aired in Colombia.

In Colombia, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets, calling for an end to the abductions that have plagued the country during its 44-year civil war.

Protesters wore white T-shirts - the colour of peace - and chanted "No more kidnappings!" and "Freedom, Freedom!". Some carried photographs of missing relatives.

The marches were held on Colombia's independence day. Pop star Shakira sang the national anthem at a military parade presided over by President Alvaro Uribe and visiting dignitaries.

The Farc has taken more than 20,000 people hostage over the past 10 years, but marchers hoped that peace could be achieved.

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