Najiba, a mother of four, is an Afghan refugee living in Kuala Lumpur. She fled the escalating military and political conflict in her homeland with nothing certain except the safety of her children. What she carried with her – quietly, almost invisibly were the skilled hands of a lifelong artisan trained in cross-stitching and crochet[1].
In Malaysia, those hands became her anchor. Through MADE51’s Malaysian partner Earth Heir, Najiba now creates intricate embroidered jewellery from her home, earning an income while caring for her young children and passing her craft on to them.
Working has helped me with my mental health, I don’t think about my problems. The income helps me support my family and my children. – Najiba, refugee artisan[2]
Najiba’s story is just one among many refugee women in Malaysia who are rebuilding their lives through artistry, heritage and dignified work.
A Global Crisis Reflected In Real Lives
Across the world, more people have been forcibly displaced than ever before. As of June 2025, UNHCR reports 117.3 million forcibly displaced people globally – that’s roughly 1 in every 70 people.
Among them are 42.7 million refugees. Behind each statistic is a family trying to rebuild without legal pathways to stable work, safe shelter, or long-term security[3].
Malaysia is part of this global picture. As of October 2025, about 211,360 refugees and asylum-seekers are registered with UNHCR in the country. Many live for years with uncertain legal status, unable to access formal employment and with limited opportunities to achieve stability[4].
Yet what many refugees bring with them is intangible but invaluable: craftsmanship passed down through generations, cultural traditions that survive even when their homes do not.
MADE51 exists at this intersection of loss and potential, creating a pathway for refugee artisans to earn income, reclaim dignity and contribute meaningfully to their host communities.
Recognising Potential, Empowering Lives
MADE51, a global initiative by UNHCR, redefines what support for refugees can look like. Rather than seeing refugees as dependent on aid, MADE51 recognises them as skilled artisans capable of adding value to global markets.
Today, the initiative works with over 3,700 artisans across 23 countries, partnering with local social enterprises to bring refugee-made jewellery, ornaments, textiles and home décor to global consumers seeking meaningful impact with their purchases.
Kelly Clements, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, captures this beautifully:
Rather than viewing millions of refugees across the globe as a burden, MADE51 sees untapped talent and potential that, if unlocked, can directly benefit displaced women, men, and children, as well as host communities and local businesses.[5]
Earth Heir: Malaysia’s Bridge to Dignity and Market Access
In Malaysia, MADE51’s impact flows through Earth Heir, a women-led, Fair Trade and B Corp-certified social enterprise and official MADE51 partner since 2017.
Earth Heir works with refugee artisans from Afghanistan, Palestine, Pakistan and Myanmar, providing training, income opportunities and access to global markets. Some women, like Najiba, work from home, while others create from Earth Heir’s workshop.
Sasibai Kimis, the founder of Earth Heir, reflects:
We began collaborating with MADE51 in 2017 and we have learned so much as an organisation, from how to work with large international entities to engaging compassionately with communities in need.
Over the years, Earth Heir has witnessed the incredible skill and dedication these women bring to their craft.
The refugee artisans we work with are skilled in sewing, embroidery, jewellery making and crocheting. They are remarkably talented in doing very fine cross stitching and have created beautiful jewellery pieces… Through our engagement, they have learned to refine their skills to create more complex artisanal pieces. – Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir[6]
Earth Heir produces a unique line within the MADE51 jewellery collection, crafted by refugee artisans living in Malaysia. These pieces blend cultural heritage with contemporary design. They are authentic, detailed, and infused with the makers’ stories of endurance and hope.
Meaningful Gifts That Change Lives
MADE51 gives all of us a way to honour the stories behind every stitch by choosing ethical purchases that uplift refugee artisans and keep cultural heritage alive. Made possible by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, this global initiative connects refugees with social enterprise partners so their heritage skills can become dignified, sustainable livelihoods.
By supporting MADE51, you’re not just buying a beautifully crafted product; you’re helping refugees earn a fair income, strengthening host communities, and preserving traditional craftsmanship. It’s one of the ways UNHCR advances its mission to protect and empower people forced to flee, opening pathways for resilience, self-reliance, and inclusion.
This Christmas, you can turn your giving into something truly meaningful. Choose gifts that carry hope, heritage and the hands of the women who made them. This season, give with purpose.
When you donate to UNHCR, you’ll receive a handcrafted MADE51 Holiday Ornament, created by refugee artisans preserving their heritage. Your kindness helps rebuild lives with courage and dignity.
Explore our sources:
- MADE51. (2020). Small ornaments with big impact, crafted by Afghan refugees in India, Malaysia and Pakistan. Link.
- MADE51. Asia Pacific. Earth Heir. Link.
- UNHCR. (2025). Figures At A Glance. Link.
- UNHCR (Malaysia). (2025). What we do: Figures at a glance in Malaysia. Link.
- MADE51. How it works. Link.
- Earth Heir. (2018). Working with refugee artisans. Link.
