Refugee-made treasures from MADE51
Handmade by people forced from their homes, these decorations carry stories of resilience, heritage and hope — now available at Harrogate Fair Trade.
Across the world, more than 42 million people have been forced from their homes. Families leave behind not only their houses and possessions, but also their livelihoods and their sense of belonging. Many of those displaced are highly skilled makers — weavers, embroiderers, felters, woodcarvers — whose talents risk being lost to exile.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), working with the World Fair Trade Organisation, has created MADE51, a global initiative to bring refugee craftsmanship to an international market. It’s a powerful idea: rather than depending solely on aid, refugees can use their skills to earn an income, regain pride and dignity, and contribute to the communities where they now live. Working together in a supportive environment and using skills from their homeland helps them to heal from trauma.
The process has been thought through very carefully. UNHCR identifies skilled craftspeople in camps and settlements, then partners them with local social enterprises. These enterprises provide technical support, design expertise and links to fair trade markets. The result is not just dignified employment, but stronger local economies too — a way for host countries to benefit alongside the refugees they shelter.
Through the fabric and thread of these ornaments run stories of identity, heritage and resilience.
🐈 Quirky Cat – crafted by Syrian refugees in Armenia using local sheep wool. Inspired by a rare Armenian breed known for its mismatched eyes and independent character, it’s a playful symbol of freedom.
🐏 Bold Ram – made by Afghan refugees in Malaysia. Modelled on the Urial, a wild mountain sheep from their homeland, it represents courage and determination in the face of hardship.
🦚 Splendid Peacock – embroidered by Afghan refugee women in Pakistan, where peacocks live in the wild. Vibrant and richly detailed, it celebrates pride and renewal, keeping traditional needlework alive.
For the makers, these ornaments mean more than income. They offer a support network, a way to heal through creativity, and the chance to build a new life from old traditions. For us, they bring the opportunity to connect with lives far away, and to celebrate resilience and beauty in the face of adversity.
We’re delighted to stock these unique decorations from MADE51 in the shop this month, with the whole collection coming soon in our Christmas shop (opening 25th October). They are small treasures with big stories, reminding us that even in times of displacement, craft and culture continue to thrive.
📍 Available now at Harrogate Fair Trade.
