LOJEL, the global brand that offers modern luggage and everyday carry products, has announced a new partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, with The Simplest Act campaign. This collaboration highlights how even the smallest gestures can help restore dignity, hope, and agency to displaced people.
At the heart of this initiative is the launch of a special edition, handmade bracelet crafted by forcibly displaced artisans in South Sudan—a simple object with a powerful meaning. Designed in collaboration with UNHCR and MADE51, a global initiative brought to life by UNHCR that brings traditional skills and heritage of forcibly displaced persons to the world, LOJEL has introduced The Simplest Act – With Refugees Bracelet.
Made by displaced artisans living in South Sudan, the bracelet features a beaded band and an engraved metal emblem, with every detail speaking to intentionality and care. It is not a fashion item, but a quiet statement of solidarity—a reminder that empathy can be carried with us, worn openly, and shared. Proceeds from every bracelet go directly to supporting UNHCR’s work with displaced communities living in South Sudan.
LOJEL’s steps towards community empowerment make this collaboration a natural evolution of its sustainability initiatives. The brand works with local organizations to donate suitcases for displaced communities across Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S. Every Simplest Act – With Refugees Bracelet contributes to a cycle of support that provides essentials like clean water, shelter, and education to South Sudan’s forcibly displaced community.
The bracelets are available at both Canadian retail stores.
Dipti Paryani, Sustainability Manager, LOJEL, said the company believes movement should enrich lives but not all movement is by choice.
“The refugee crisis shows us the reality of forced displacement, and we felt a responsibility to act. That’s why we partnered with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to support individuals and families in South Sudan who’ve been forced to flee their homes,” she explained.
“Our collaboration has two parts:
- The Simplest Act – With Refugees Bracelet: Co-created with UNHCR and MADE51, each bracelet is handmade by forcibly displaced people living in South Sudan. It’s a symbol of resilience and shared humanity, with 100% of the proceeds from the bracelets going to support refugee programs by the UNHCR.
- Customer Donations: Contributions made in select stores and online also go directly to UNHCR’s work on the ground, providing clean water, shelter, and education for displaced communities.”
Paryani said UNHCR was chosen because of their deep expertise and trusted presence on the ground. They provide both urgent relief and long-term support with transparency.
“For the bracelets, we partnered through MADE51, UNHCR’s initiative that connects refugee artisans with social enterprises. This not only supports immediate needs but also empowers refugees with income and helps preserve cultural traditions. For us, this was essential, it’s about more than aid, it’s about dignity and opportunity,” she added.
“LOJEL’s mission is to support movement and enrich journeys. But we also recognize that not all journeys are voluntary or joyful. Through this partnership, we acknowledge that reality and extend our vision of movement to include solidarity with forcibly displaced people.
“This builds on earlier efforts, like donating luggage to local charities supporting refugees and migrants since 2023. Partnering with UNHCR is a natural next step in our social sustainability journey that addresses displacement on both a local and global scale.”
Paryani noted that sustainability isn’t just about materials or design, it’s about people, too.
“At LOJEL, we want to stay grounded in the world our customers move through. Our products are designed to empower journeys, but that only matters if the world is healthy and its communities are supported,” she said.
“Initiatives like this help us live our values, supporting not only our customers but also the wider global community, ensuring there’s a world worth exploring, together.”
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