As winter sets in, millions of refugees and forcibly displaced people face the cold without the comfort of home.
Yet, across 23 countries, thousands of refugee artisans are using their skills to create warmth in another way: through handmade pieces that carry stories of resilience, culture, and hope.
MADE51, a global brand created by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), connects more than 3,400 refugee artisans with local social enterprises, helping them earn income and build brighter futures while preserving their traditions.
Over 90 per cent of participating artisans are women, many of whom support families and communities through their craftsmanship.
It is the world’s first ecosystem that delivers a viable route to market refugee-made products, enabling the inclusion of refugees in the creative economy.
This year’s MADE51 Holiday Collection continues that mission. This series of seasonal ornaments celebrates the stories, cultures, and craftsmanship of refugee artisans.
Each ornament and handcrafted item is created by hand, forming a bridge between artisans striving for stability and the loved ones who receive their work.
Purchasing a MADE51 product is more than choosing a beautifully crafted item; it supports a fair, transparent value chain built in partnership with vetted local social enterprises, guided by Fair Trade principles and UNHCR’s protection standards.
The UN Bookshop is proud to support this initiative and invites colleagues, delegates and visitors to explore the Holiday Collection of ornaments at UN Headquarters in New York (find us in the Visitors Concourse in the General Assembly Building).
Stay tuned for a wider selection and online purchase options in the New Year.
