Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Helena Christensen team up to support refugee jewellery project
With the festive season well and truly in full swing, it’s important to remember the message behind Christmas gifting. Buying loved ones a present they desire and seeing the happiness it brings is always heartwarming, but the feeling is only made better when you know the purchase you've made is mindful.
It's something that is particularly important to UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Helena Christensen.
UNHCR has teamed up with Made51, a global brand that works with refugee artisans to create home décor, accessories and jewellery. Mbatha-Raw has modelled some of Made51’s new Sahel collection in a series of photographs taken by Christensen in support of the project.
Each of the designs were made by displaced Tuareg artists, who have been forced to leave their homelands and travel across North Africa to countries such as Algeria and Libya. The Tuareg people migrated en masse during the 2010s due to tensions with Malian and Niger governments, as well various climate issues including extreme drought.
In order to bring each MADE51 piece to life, UNHCR field staff identify refugee groups with artisanal skills and connect them with social enterprises in the artisan sector operating in or near host communities. These enterprises integrate the refugee artisans into their businesses and, together, they design and produce high-quality handmade products. To carry the Made51 label, products must meet ethical production and design criteria, including the requirement that products feature refugees’ heritage craftsmanship or cultural references.
Each year, Made51 curates and releases a 24-piece series of festive ornaments just ahead of Christmas. These charming keepsakes are made by different refugee groups around the world and each one has a special story about the makers’ heritage, journey or host community.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar about the project, Christensen explained: “I fell in love with their beautiful handmade pieces. Made51 products are not just stunning and of exceptional quality; they carry profound meaning, supporting refugees and making every purchase an act of compassion.
“What truly stands out to me is the creativity put into these products. They reflect the rich cultures and traditions of the artisans, with each item telling its own unique story — a story of dignity, independence and resilience.”
“As Christmas approaches and we look to find meaningful gifts, Made51 feels more relevant than ever,” Mbatha-Raw agrees. “It’s a conscious reminder to give with purpose — choosing presents that not only bring joy to loved ones but also uplift artisans and their communities.
“Knowing that each gift supports someone’s path toward independence and dignity is incredibly special. It’s more than just a present; it’s a connection to the traditions, skills, and journeys of those who’ve created them.”
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