Lend a helping hand to refugees with Made51 — a line of beautiful, refugee-crafted products supporting forcibly displaced persons worldwide.

 

Today, over 82.4 million people around the world are displaced by war, violence, natural disaster and persecution — yet even for refugees who safely reach their host country there’s still a very long road ahead. When someone takes that critical leap to seek safety for their families, they leave behind their homes, livelihoods and prospects which can be difficult to rebuild elsewhere. But there is hope, as in the last few years global organisations and private sector companies have increasingly come together to create and enhance access to dignified work opportunities so refugees can utilise their skills and talents.

 

Created by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, MADE51 is one such initiative. Since launching in 2019, they have connected local social enterprises with artisans in over 23 refugee-hosting countries all around the world — helping skilled makers utilise and hone their craft while enriching the local organisations who, in turn, can make a further positive impact on the local community.

 

WHY MADE51?

Sometimes, all someone fleeing conflict can take with them are their skills, traditions and cultural heritage — but if given the opportunity, they can use these assets to find renewed hope through meaningful work. MADE51’s mission is to connect refugee artisans with social enterprises in hosting countries who can sponsor, market and export these traditional crafts. For refugees, these partnerships mean not only steady, paid employment; it’s also a chance to find fulfilment, contribute to their newly found communities and share their cultural heritage. And for the local enterprises who work with them? They can trade in unique, handmade products while using the profits to enact further positive change. Thanks to this scalable, sustainable model, everybody benefits.

 

HOW IT WORKS

First, UNHCR identifies refugees who want to do artisanal work and helps these individuals form groups. These artisan groups are then linked with experienced local social enterprises where they collaborate to create unique, refugee-made product lines. While the social enterprise manages orders, production and logistics for the collection, the artisans can focus on their craft — be it woven rugs, handmade jewellery or traditional clothing — earn a fair wage and provide for their families. And as MADE51 grows, these local businesses will grow too, helping them make greater investments in local communities and positively impact the national balance of trade. 

 

YOUR ROLE

For UNHCR, dignified work is key for refugees trying to rebuild their lives: “Refugees have skills and talents that only need a chance to grow and flourish,” says Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “Within each piece lies a story of history and culture, and the chance for a person who has fled war and persecution to offer something of beauty and style to the world.” By purchasing a MADE51 piece, you are not only directly supporting forcibly displaced people in finding new hope and meaning; you are also enabling Made51 to uplift organisations striving for better integration between refugees and the communities that host them.

 

“Refugees have skills and talents that only need a chance to grow and flourish” Click here to view products