UK for UNHCR celebrates Refugee Week with new Kintsugi-inspired collaboration ‘Fragments of Hope’ 

“I will always stand with refugees. I will always tell our stories… Because when everything is gone – your home, your country, your past – your voice is all you
have left.” 

Bashir, poet and refugee from Sudan  

•   UK for UNHCR’s latest campaign, Fragments of Hope, embodies the grace of human resilience and capacity to rebuild. 

• At the heart of the campaign is a one-of-a-kind Kintsugi tea set, created in partnership with renowned artist and sculptor Billie Bond, that reflects the individual stories of six refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ukraine, Sudan and Syria. 

• Like a visible thread of compassion, the gold lacquer of Kintsugi intricately connects shattered pieces, transforming them into a testament of enduring hope. 

• This one-of-a-kind work of art will be awarded to one lucky competition winner to rehome at the end of the campaign.

Monday, June 16, 2025: 

This Refugee Week [16 – 22 June], UK for UNHCR has collaborated with renowned sculptor and artist, Billie Bond, to create a one-of-a-kind tea set to give form to the profound experiences of refugees through the art of Kintsugi. 

‘Fragments of Hope’, the latest campaign from UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s national charity for the UK, is a celebration of the creativity, resilience and contribution of people who have rebuilt their lives in the UK after being forced to flee conflict and persecution. 

There are now more than 122 million people displaced by conflict and persecution worldwide. Behind every number is a personal journey of survival and hope.  

The Japanese art of Kintsugi, meaning to mend with gold, repairs pottery by acknowledging its fractures and transforming them into something beautiful. Similarly, the unique ‘Fragments of Hope’ tea set reminds us that, while the challenges of forced displacement should not be underestimated, piece by piece, lives can be rebuilt. 

The artwork has been created by bringing together fragments of traditional tea sets from Ukraine, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sudan, including personal contributions by people who were themselves forced to flee their countries.  

The fragments reflect the diverse journeys of Viktoriia from Ukraine, a dedicated community development coordinator; Ayman from Syria, a self-taught filmmaker and storyteller; Sadia from Pakistan, an award-winning artist and advocate; Bashir from Sudan, a renowned poet and musician; and mother and daughter duo, Frozan and Victoria from Afghanistan, who support their community as an interpreter and an aspiring business leader. Within this unique tea set, every fragment carries a piece of their story, collectively forming a symbol of hope, resilience and the strength of community.  

Billie Bond, the artist behind the ‘Fragments of Hope’ tea set, commented: “Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese art of repairing with gold. It has long been recognised as a powerful symbol of resilience, and a reminder that beauty can be found in imperfection. This Refugee Week, Kintsugi once again serves as a meaningful metaphor, celebrating the strength and resilience of refugees and the ritual of healing – it’s been an honour to play a small part in bringing these stories to life.” 

Viktoriia, from Ukraine, said: “As someone who came to the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, I truly understand what it means to piece a life back together. This Kintsugi tea set powerfully illustrates that even after profound upheaval, there is incredible strength and beauty in being reassembled. I hope my contribution helps inspire a universal understanding of resilience, and that it encourages everyone to open their hearts and support refugees in building their new beginnings.“ 

Bashir, from Sudan, commented, “To me, home is always home; I carry it inside my heart. We are forced to flee, but all refugees carry their home within them. It is this enduring hope that guides us to build and contribute, wherever we find ourselves. This Kintsugi tea set, weaving together fragments from my home and others, truly reflects how our past shapes us, but resilience allows us to find beauty and strength in the way ahead. It’s an honour to contribute to this powerful symbol of shared hope, and to show the world that every fragment of a life rebuilt carries immense value.” 

Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive of UK for UNHCR, commented: “Fragments of Hope is a moving representation of how, even after the deepest fractures, refugees can rebuild their lives and futures with strength, dignity and hope. 

“We’re deeply grateful to Viktoriia, Ayman, Sadia, Bashir, Frozan and Victoria, for sharing their experiences, and to Billie for helping bring this project to life. 

“Across cultures, sharing tea has always been a simple but meaningful act. It’s a way of bringing people together that says, “you are safe here.” Through Fragments of Hope, we’ve strived to create the same sense of connection and welcome. 

“We hope everyone who sees this unique piece of art takes a moment to reflect on the courage and resilience it takes to piece together a new life after fleeing war or persecution. Whether by listening to the stories of refugees, reaching out to a neighbour, or simply sharing our message, no action is too small when it comes to showing solidarity.” 

This unique piece of art will be available for one lucky competition winner to rehome forever. For a chance to show support and win the set, click here. Conditions apply. 

‘Fragments of Hope’ builds on UK for UNHCR’s 2024 campaign, ‘Cuppa Hope’, which celebrated tea as a universal ritual of comfort and connection. This year, through the symbolism of Kintsugi and the stories shared, ‘Fragments of Hope’ calls for empathy and understanding, encouraging the public to support refugees around the world. It underscores the critical need for sustained solidarity to ensure those who have lost everything can find safety and a build a better future.  

 – Ends –   

Notes For Editors  

For further media information, please contact – [email protected]m  

Refugee Storytellers:   

• Ayman (he/him): Ayman is a Syrian storyteller and self-taught filmmaker who uses film and public speaking to share powerful narratives about displacement and resilience. He has created content for organisations like UNHCR, Ben & Jerry’s, and the NHS. Ayman served as an authenticity consultant on The Swimmers and Jungle, and has worked in the camera department on productions such as Day of the Jackal. He co-wrote and shot the short film Matar, which is now being developed into a feature film with the BBC. Ayman regularly gives talks at public events to raise awareness about refugees. He also volunteers as an interpreter for asylum seekers and has delivered training for aspiring asylum seekers through BAFTA. “Our lives are bigger than tragedy. This year for Refugee Week, my message is simple: give people the space to speak when the world isn’t falling apart.”  

• Bashir (he/him): Sudanese poet and musician Bashir came to the UK in 1993 after being imprisoned for his poetry. Now based in Brighton, he has written over 40 songs and poems, many well known in Sudan. His work explores exile, love and human struggle. Bashir uses his music to support his home village, recently helping to fund a new water well. His 2024 fundraising album The Spirit of Sudan supports those affected by the war, with all proceeds going directly to aid efforts. “There is always hope, and there is always an opportunity. Just be a human being, be a good person, and keep the hope that one day you’re gonna get back to your country.”  

• Frozan (she/her): Frozan is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in social empowerment, communications, and humanitarian work. Now working as a freelance interpreter, she supports resettled families in accessing healthcare, education, and welfare. With a strong background in community initiatives and advocacy for women and children, Frozan is also trained in safeguarding, mental health, and leadership, and is committed to fostering inclusive, resilient communities. “Adjustment is difficult, and change is difficult. But refugees should have patience, be strong, and fight for their hope and their dreams.”  

• Sadia (she/her): Sadia is a multi-award-winning artist, photographer, writer and activist who says her experience as an asylum seeker has shaped her work. Sadia has campaigned with Asylum Matters, served as a Refugee Week ambassador, and exhibited internationally. Her exhibition, ‘Asylum: A Long and Painful Process’ was displayed at the Baltic Gallery, and she has also been featured in the media and by UNHCR. In 2024 Sadia was shortlisted by the Scottish Refugee Council to create a mural for Refugee Festival Scotland. This year she is preparing a solo exhibition and radio show for the Festival and has been shortlisted in the Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards.  “Your strength, your dreams, and your voice are worthy. Even in the darkest moments, there is hope; you just have to hold on to it. You are not alone, and your story matters.”

• Victoria (she/her): Victoria is a young professional with a background in Business Management and a focus on Strategic Leadership. Originally from Kabul, she relocated to the UK in 2021, worked as a teaching assistant, and completed her degree with honours. Now pursuing a Global MBA, she brings resilience, cross-cultural experience, and a strategic mindset to her goals in business development and global leadership. “Be kind. Ask for help. Never lose hope. There are amazing people waiting for you, so just have the courage to walk and pursue your dreams.”  

• Viktoriia (she/her): Viktoriia is from the Sumy region of Ukraine, now living in the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. She works as a Community Development Coordinator at Lancashire County Council, supporting Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. Drawing from her own experience, she helps with cultural and integration activities. In 2025, she was a finalist for the Northern Power Women Awards, and she remains dedicated to supporting refugee communities. “If I could give refugees one message of hope, it would be this: if you go through the darkest time of your life and feel you have been buried, indeed, you have been planted.”  

About UK for UNHCR:    

UK for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the UK. We build solidarity, create partnerships, and raise funds across the UK to help deliver global humanitarian relief for refugees through UNHCR’s work. www.unrefugees.org.uk  

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. It delivers lifesaving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. www.unhcr.org   

UK for UNHCR is a registered charity in England and Wales (registered charity number 1183415).   

About Billie Bond:  

Billie (b. 1965) is a Suffolk-based sculptor whose practice explores identity through themes of concealment, fragmentation, and restoration. Deeply influenced by the Japanese art of Kintsugi—the practice of repairing broken ceramics with gold—Billie uses this metaphor to express narratives of trauma, healing, and transformation. Her work investigates the tension between damage and repair, often revealing beauty in the overlooked or discarded.  

A recurring thread in her sculptures is the idea of displacement, migration, and personal journey. Through disrupted surfaces and reassembled forms, Billie creates intimate visual conversations that speak to both personal and collective experience. Her recent portrait series integrates delicate porcelain flowers, drawing on nature’s restorative power to underscore the healing process. 

With an early career in nursing, Billie brings a nuanced understanding of human anatomy to her figurative work, portraying the body with both sensitivity and strength. She earned a First-Class Honours Degree in 3D Design in 2011 and an MA in Sculptural Practice in 2016 from Colchester School of Art. She was also awarded a research residency at the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds. 

Billie became a selected Member of the Royal Society of Sculptors in 2018 and is also a member of the Society of Portrait Sculptors. Her award-winning work is held in both public and private collections internationally.