ETHICAL PRACTICES
In cooperation with the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), بلاØدود -No borders are set by the criteria of ethical compliance that the social enterprise members must follow in their work with refugees. This guarantees that every craftsman earns a fair wage has safe working conditions and that the ten principles of fair trade are followed. بلاØدود -No border understands how critical it is for consumers to have confidence that the products they source are ethically crafted. This is also of greatest priority to the UNHCR: On the basis of the mandate of the UNHCR, the UNHCR must be certain that refugee security and fair-trade practices will be ensured. UNHCR field workers and WFTO periodically track on-the-job activities and direct social enterprise members through a fair-trade certification process.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
When refugees leave their countries, they bear customs, skills, and craftsmanship. بلاØدود -No border gives refugee craftsmen the means to use these assets to earn money, rebuild their living standards, and establish independence.
Traditionally nomadic Tuaregs of northern Mali are known for their fine craftsmanship. Blacksmiths use hammers, pins and anvils to hammer and mold reclaimed bronze, aluminum and copper. The metal shapes are then mixed with handmade leather, resulting in a beautiful range of home décor and jewelry.
Through market access, Syrian refugees can generate profits from their embroidery talents. Their exquisite needlework is referred to as an intangible cultural legacy by UNESCO, and the opportunity to continue to practice the tradition while living as a refugee provides not only an income but a means to create stability, social solidarity, and a sense of belonging.
Refugee women have come together to create something different from the excess of the quick fashion industry. Working together, they make perfect dolls out of the remnants of the discarded cloth. Charming dolls are expressive and imaginative emblems of sustainability and lead to the creation of brighter worlds.
African refugee artisans, polishing and shaping hand-cast brass jewelry. Delicate brass work is combined with locally sourced or rounded horn, wood, and ceramic beads to make exquisite pendants.
