• What is fair trade?
• Why do you support only Burmese refugees living in India?
• How else do you support manufacturers and their advocacy organizations?
• How are the profits from this shop used?
• Do you choose your manufacturers also according to ethical criteria like working conditions?
• Can I request tailor-made changes?
• Do you also ship abroad?
• Can I support your work in other ways?

You haven't found your question? Please contact us.

What is fair trade?

"Fair trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair trade organizations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, raising awareness, and campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade." (European Fair Trade Association, 2009)

Why do you support only Burmese refugees living in India?

During our previous work we found that Burmese refugees living in India are in particular need of our attention. India, as one of Burma’s most powerful neighbours, prides itself on being the world’s biggest democracy, but continues to support the junta in Burma on economic and diplomatic levels. While many good efforts have been made in Thailand and other countries of Southeast Asia, we have identified a structural gap in South Asia. Our focus on India was eventually triggered by the outbreak of famine in Chin-Land, which borders northeastern India. This natural disaster, coupled with misgovernment in Burma, is at risk of becoming a major crisis in Burma, despite being barely noticed by the world.

How else do you support manufacturers and their advocacy organizations?

This shop is part of a comprehensive project that includes providing microgrants to Burmese organizations and self-help groups, aid for victims of the famine in Chin-Land, vocational training for journalists of Burmese exile media, and training for pro-democracy activists and civil-society players. It also seeks to improve networking among Burmese organizations and boost the position of Burmese NGOs in Indian civil society. Some of these activities have already been implemented in 2009, others are planned to start only over the next two years.
One of the main outputs is the non-profit NGO Burma Centre Delhi (BCD), which was newly established in 2008. The BCD acts as a local expert and coordinates project activities in India.

How are the profits from this shop used?

Profits are sent back to our partner Burma Centre Delhi where they are used, after the deduction of bank charges and transfer costs, as reinvestment to buy further products for this shop and as a fund for activities of this project in order to help Burmese refugees and the population suffering in the famine.

Do you choose your manufacturers also according to ethical criteria like working conditions?

Manufacturers are exclusively individuals who work at home. The revenue from the fair trade shop enables them to increase their standard of living, make use of medical services and gain more independence. The work is distributed by community-based self-help groups which are not profit-making.

Can I request tailor-made changes?

This is theoretically possible. Please contact us to find out more.

Do you also ship abroad?

Yes, by default we ship to most countries in Europe. On the page "Shopping Cart" you can see all means available for your country and a preview of the costs by clicking on "Estimate Shipping and Tax".
If your country is restricted, please contact us so that we can arrange for you an alternative solution.

Can I support your work in other ways?

As a non-profit organization we depend on donations and public funding. Since our budget does not cover our full expenses, we have to do a considerable part of our work for free, as volunteers. Many activities remain under-fulfilled as we are often not able to operate as would be required by the relevant issue.
Since our budget for advertising is very limited, we appreciate your help in spreading the word about us and this shop among your friends and colleagues! If you feel that our work deserves a stable financial base, please donate any amount at your discretion. Thank you!.