What skills do refugees bring to new host countries?

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Refugees Bring a Diverse Set of Artisanal Skills to Host Countries

Refugees often arrive in new host countries possessing a range of valuable artisanal skills, including embroidery, weaving, wood carving, and pottery. These skills represent a significant, yet often untapped, resource that can be leveraged for economic integration and development within their host communities. The MADE51 initiative, for instance, specifically aims to connect refugee artisans with global markets, showcasing how these traditional crafts can be transformed into high-end home decor and accessories. For example, Afghan refugees have crafted carpets purchased by Prince Charles, and Syrian refugees have produced throws featured at London's Harrods, demonstrating the international appeal and quality of their work.
Artisanal Skills as a Foundation for Economic Integration

Many refugees are unable to engage in formal employment due to outright bans or complex bureaucratic processes for obtaining work permits. However, their existing artisanal talents provide a pathway for economic participation. Initiatives like MADE51, launched by the UNHCR in 2018, facilitate this by linking refugee artisans with social enterprises. These enterprises assist in developing and marketing high-quality products, enabling refugees to earn income and build sustainable livelihoods. Anita Claudine, a Rwandan refugee in Kenya, is learning to sew more precisely for foreign customers through MADE51, with the goal of eventually starting her own fashion label.
Diverse Craftsmanship in Global Markets

The range of skills brought by refugees extends across various craft disciplines, contributing to a diverse collection of products. Over 1,500 refugees from countries such as Burundi, Afghanistan, Syria, and Myanmar have been recruited into the MADE51 initiative, creating items like cashmere throws with crochet insets and hand-knotted sheep’s wool rugs. This global reach is facilitated by promoting MADE51 products at major international trade fairs, such as Ambiente in Germany, where feedback has been positive, indicating a strong market demand for these unique, refugee-crafted goods.
Economic Opportunities for Host Nations and Artisans

Beyond individual artisans, the integration of refugee skills can also offer broader economic benefits to host countries. Social enterprises collaborating with refugees, such as Kenyan firm Bawa Hope which exports brass jewellery, report gaining new product lines and technical expertise. By scaling up operations and training more artisans, both local and refugee, these initiatives can foster skill development, encourage entrepreneurship, and stimulate the local economy. This approach capitalises on the growing global handicraft market, which saw international trade more than double over the last decade, generating significant export earnings.

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What skills do refugees bring to new host countries?

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