Here is a message from our vendor MADE51, their products benefit the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR
World Refugee Day comes once a year. But this year feels different.
Forced displacement surged to historic new levels across the globe last year, reaching 120 million in May 2024. This makes the global displaced population equivalent to the 12th largest country in the world, around the size of Japan.
Refugees often leave behind their livelihoods when fleeing violence. But they carry with them their skills, their passions, and their talents.
Until peace returns to their homelands, refugees need opportunities to provide for their families. They want to be active members of the communities that host them. MADE51 offers a dignified way for forcibly displaced people to earn income and rebuild connections.
This World Refugee Day, we urge you to show solidarity with and be part of the solution for refugees.
Show solidarity: watch & share our new short film, Thread of Hope
In celebration of World Refugee Day, we are excited to release Thread of Hope, an animated short film that sheds light on the resilience, creativity, and hope of refugee women artisans.
Created and written by BrandOpus and directed by award-winning collage artist Troy Browne, the film features the voice of British actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador for refugees, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, along with a new track from musician Bat for Lashes.
“For these artisans, their craft is more than just a livelihood; it's a source of healing and a way to preserve their cultural identity. It’s an honour to lend my voice to a project that highlights their stories and contributions to the global community.” - UN Goodwill Ambassador for refugees, Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
The short follows the journey of a young refugee girl who discovers a transformative thread amidst the turmoil of war and displacement. The film depicts the resilience of the human spirit through the metaphor of craft and fabric, while also highlighting MADE51's mission to empower refugees through craftsmanship.
“Our mission is to transform the lives of refugees through their artistry and skills. Thread of Hope beautifully captures this mission and shows the world the incredible impact that refugees can have when given the opportunity.” - Heidi Christ, Global MADE51 Lead at UNHCR
Made in collaboration with BrandOpus, UNHCR's strategic creative partner in MADE51, Thread of Hope is a testament to high-quality storytelling and animation. BrandOpus partnered with various collaborators in the making of the film, including Hocus Pocus Studio, a London-based animation studio, who produced the film.