They Fled from War and Hunger – Now Prince Charles Buys their Artwork

A luxury brand launched by the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) links profit with good deed: they empower and employ artisan refugees, connecting them with social enterprises to improve their skills and create high-end, hand-crafted products.

Named after the 1951 Refugee Convention, MADE51 is on a mission to support refugees across the world – having so far recruited over 1,500 refugees from 15 countries – teaching them new skills that help them better integrate in society, while becoming more independent.

“When refugee artisans flee their countries, they flee with their skills – and that is something that can be built upon in their host countries where they often have to stay for many years,” says Heidi Christ, Global Lead of MADE51.

The brand targets the global market and has already gained a lot of high-profile attention, with Prince Charles of the United Kingdom purchasing MADE51 carpets crafted by Afghan refugees, and exclusive British store Harrods in London selling throws made by Syrian refugees.