20/06/2026
Today is World 🌎 Refugee Day 20th June.
MADE51 - Fair trade with Refugees
MADE51 is a global brand created in 2018 by UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) that connects refugee artisans with local social enterprises to design, make, and market handcrafted home décor and accessories worldwide.
The name MADE51 is an acronym — Market Access Design and Empowerment — and the 51 references the 1951 Refugee Convention. Currently works with over 3,700 artisans across 23 countries.
The model works in three steps: UNHCR identifies skilled refugee artisans, pairs them with vetted social enterprises in their host communities, and then markets the products globally. All partners must meet Fair Trade standards set in collaboration with the World Fair Trade Organization, ensuring fair wages and decent working conditions.
The goal is economic independence — letting refugees earn income, preserve their cultural heritage, and contribute to their host communities rather than depending on aid.
