Crafted by Refugees

Today, over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced by war, violence, disaster and persecution. Whenever refugees flee their homes, they leave behind their livelihoods and prospects, which are critical for self-reliance. This means refugees often have no choice but to rely on others for, typically, 15-25 years.

MADE51

It doesn’t have to be like this. Having the opportunity to work and earn a living is one of the most effective ways people can rebuild their lives with dignity. To build that opportunity UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, created MADE51, a global brand of artisanal home décor and accessories, crafted by refugees.

Embroidery 

Afghan artisans in Pakistan

Afghanistan has a rich history of craftsmanship, particularly intricate embroidery. Different styles of needlework are tied to particular geographic locations and ethnic groups.

Image: Artisan Links

Embroidery  

Afghan artisans in Pakistan

Exquisitely embroidered home textiles and accessories are handcrafted, often in refugee camps, by Afghan women who specialize in embroidery techniques that been passed down for generations.

Image: Artisan Links

Chloe x MADE51

Chloe worked with Artisan Links to create bags through MADE51. Tarshumar embroidery is a fine, precise art of creating geometric, multi-coloured patterns on cotton or silk using a thread counting technique. 

Artisan Links trained over 800 women and worked with 707 of them to produce the order.

Embroidery 

Burmese refugee in Malaysia

The techniques and skills involved in creating these art pieces have been developed over many generations by the artisans and their families, using locally sourced materials and unique processes. Earth Heir® works collaboratively with artisan partners to preserve this craftsmanship for the future.

Embroidery 

Syrian refugees in Jordan

Tribalogy works with refugee women in Jordan, creating opportunities to escape from poverty.

Beadwork  

Refugees in South Sudan

Beadwork has a long history in Eastern Africa and can still carry great cultural significance. Colours and patterns can indicate age, ethic group or marital status. Often, women learn beading from their mothers and grandmothers and it becomes an asset that they can carry forward with them to rely on, celebrate, and pass on to their children.

Weaving 

Burundian refugees in Burundi and Rwanda

Basket weaving remains one of the most long-standing art forms in East Africa. To weave a basket, sweetgrass strands are bundled together and bound with soft hand-dyed sisal fibre or upcycled fibres from grain sacks.

Image: Womencraft

.

Upcycling 

Afghan refugees in India

Dolls and décor made in India from upcycled fabrics by local social enterprise Silaiwali.

Silaiwali currently generates sustainable incomes for between 60-70 women refugees, adhering to the principles of fair wages, a clean working environment within walking distance from the homes of the refugees.

MADE51 Wholesale Collections

MADE51 products can be ordered wholesale from a range of collections.

Uniqlo x Roots

Speakers

Malish Godfrey, Roots, South Sudan

Nyanachiek Padiet, Roots artisan

Marie Ledous, Uniqlo

Rim N' Roll

Speakers

Roula Bohsali, Founder, Rim n Roll, Lebanon

Bushra Bakeer, Rim-n-Roll master artisan

How you can get involved:

1. Wholesale MADE51 products 

Browse wholesale catalogues and access prices and details of how to order.

2. Create a collection with MADE51 

Join the likes of Chloé and Uniqlo to develop collections with refugees that change lives. Get in touch with MADE51 to discuss your ideas or find out more.

3. Become a strategic partner

Get in touch to find out more.