Today, there are over 68 million people forcibly displaced across the globe, including 25 million refugees, half of whom are children, according to statistics from the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

It’s a situation that’s highlighted every September during International Day of Peace, which was marked this year by the distribution of hundreds of doves crafted from the off-cuts of refugee blankets.

Funded by NRS International – a specialist relief product company – the #PeaceDoves campaign aims to encourage people to share their message of peace with the world.

Commenting on the initiative, Dalia El Fiki, senior public information and communications associate at UNHCR in Abu Dhabi, said: “A key element of changing misconceptions about refugees and the fact that they are victims of circumstance who have talents and dreams is raising awareness. #PeaceDoves is one example of many ways the private sector and individuals can help.

“Every person can make a difference, whether through showing the faces and stories behind the figures and raising awareness about the plight of refugees, or by donating to support organisations such as UNHCR and its partners.”

Machinists from NRS International’s sewing factory in Pakistan crafted the doves out of off-cuts left over from sewing blankets and tents bound for refugees.

Cuddly versions of the doves were distributed to 150 Rohingya refugee children in Kutopalong camp in Bangladesh. NRS International also conducted school visits and media tours in the UAE, UK and Pakistan as part of the campaign.

“Peace is to be united and to live harmoniously with each other,” said Shagufta Begum, a machine operator in the stitching department at NRS International. “The peace dove project has made a difference in our lives. It has helped us learn and practice peace in our work place, and our families.”