June 20 is World Refugee Day. As forced displacement causes people to leave their homes behind, sometimes all refugees can take with them are their skills, traditions, and cultural heritage.

MADE51 is a global initiative launched by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to offer refugees the opportunity to utilize their artisanal skills to rebuild their livelihoods. Nest, a non-profit connecting communities of artisans, retailers and philanthropies to build a new handworker economy, will work together with MADE51 to identify six impactful artisan enterprises employing refugees, each from a different country of origin, to receive six months of customized business development and market access support.

The CFDA will lead a learning module on design and production that will culminate in a virtual showcase whereby the refugee artisan businesses will be presented to all CFDA member designers to increase awareness and interest in sourcing opportunities. Nest will also facilitate a capsule collection with at least one designer to help elevate and amplify the social impact the business is making.

Saadiya and another artisans are working on a bespoke order for a retailer that works in collaboration with MADE51. Saadiya fled Khartoum in 2023 when brutal conflict broke out in Sudan forcing millions to leave their homes in search of safety.

“My dream is that Sudan gets fixed, and we return to our homes and be together. We want our kids to have access to education in a safe place,” Saadiya said.

The group of women pictured throughout are also one of the groups that make the #WithRefugees bracelet launched for World Refugee Day as part of the new Peace Collection. Take action and show your solidarity and shop a bracelet crafted by Burundian, Congolese, Ethiopian, South Sudanese and Sudanese refugees.