IKEA plans to sell rugs produced by refugees. They are planning to launch this collection in 2019. The first group will begin work in September 2017.
Since the beginning of the civil war, about five million Syrians have run away from their home. Most of them presently live in refugee camps in neighboring countries like Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon.
A study made by UNHCR recently shows that almost the largest population of refugees, close to the size of its number, with eighty nine refugees to about 1000 inhabitants is being hosted by Jordan.
The United National High Commission for refugees in Jordan has registered about 655,000 Syrians living in the country. About 80% of these refugees reside in the local community while the others reside in refugee camps. Over 78% are children and women. Close to 93% of them are extremely poor.
As a result of their living condition, IKEA has provided an initiative that will help to provide jobs. Swedish furniture giant has partnered with non-profit organizations to assist the female Syrian refugees begin a production of rugs and textiles. They will work alongside the Syrians.
In an interview, IKEA’s head of supply and range, Jesper Brodin, says ‘’after basic needs and shelter are attended to, the next stage is to incorporate these people into the society’’. He also added that ‘’IKEA’s experience of design will be mixed with that of local artisans’’. He concluded by saying that their customers will be excited to know that they have created something new.
The collection will be launched in 2019 by IKEA with the first group commencing work in September 2017. These products will be purchased by people in the Middle East but it is expected to reach Europe in the future.