MADE51 is a global brand created by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that brings refugee craftsmanship to the world. The brand has been established to help refugees achieve economic independence by making use of their valuable skills, traditions, and heritage as part of a sustainable value chain. A network of 35+ social enterprises in 23 countries are part of MADE51, together working with 3700+ artisans, 85% of whom are women. Private sector companies and retailers create market access for refugee-made products and, in doing so they drive economic inclusion and help build brighter futures for refugees. MADE51 is brought to life by UNHCR, a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities , and stateless people.
MADE51 practices directly fulfill and exceed credible international standards such as UN and International Labour Organisation Conventions, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation andDevelopment (OECD) guidelines. The initiative partners with the World Fair Trade Organization(WFTO) and upholds its ten principles of FairTrade: 1) Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers, 2) Transparency and accountability, 3) Fair trading practices,4) Payment of a fair price, 5) Ensuring no child labour or forced labour, 6) Commitment to non-discrimination, gender equity, and freedom of association, 7) Ensuring good working conditions,8) Providing capacity building, 9) Promoting fair trade, and 10) Respect for the environment.
These principles closely mirror UNHCR's protection principles for refugee engagement with the private sector. By ensuring established Fair Trade standards, MADE51 offers buyers confidence in the compliance and sustainability of their sourcing decisions.
South Sudanese refugee working with Thaat, a social enterprise in Egypt, on the Star of Unity ornament in the MADE51 collection. (c)UNHCR/ P Gomes
Meet Parween & Kapya
