Act for Life x The -able x Stanley
"No human is illegal" tote bag
Pickup available at Nørrebro
Usually ready in 24 hours
The -able & the NGO Act for Life have teamed up on this No Human Is Illegal tote bag.
All profits from the sale go directly to Act for Life's work to provide people fleeing Europe's borders with dignified and respectful treatment. For example, by taking each individual and family out shopping and choosing for themselves which foods, sandals and toys they want.
The -able gives people in conflict areas and on the run the opportunity to once again live from their crafts and knowledge, through the sale of their goods in this webshop and as corporate gifts, to companies that want to help make a real difference for people in countries like Afghanistan, Palestine & DR Congo.
This tote bag was sewn by Stanley, originally from Nigeria. Stanley is part of the ANKAA sewing workshop in Athens, where asylum seekers and refugees participate in training programs and are employed in the workshop for a fixed monthly salary.
You can buy the bag alone or together with a plastic carabiner keychain made from recycled plastic in a refugee camp in Northern Greece by Qourban.
The motif is drawn by the talented Ida Rørholm Davidsen and adapted exactly to this tote bag from the original "We are all brothers & sisters" which you can buy as a poster directly from Ida.
The motif is printed with thermal printing locally in Athens.
NOTE: Please note that because deadstock materials and leftover fabrics are used in the production, there will be variation in how thick the fabric your tote bag is sewn from and there may be small spots on the fabric. We have made this choice in order not to produce too many new materials in a world that already has enough available.
Size
The bag measures 45 cm. in height and 36 cm. in width and has a depth of 10 cm.
Handmade by...
Material & care
Delivery & return
Delivery:
We ship every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 11-13 with GLS unless anything else is stated at the top of our page (if we're on holiday or travelling to meet with the artisans).
Pick up:
You are always welcome to pick up your order. You can pick up in our studio and store at Birkegade 9, th. 2200 Copenhagen N. We are open every Tuesday & Thursday 12:00-17:30.
Return:
You naturally have 14 days of full right of return (excluding delivery) from when you have received your goods. If you wish to return, you must send an email to kontakt@theable.dk .
When you buy products from The -able, you support people fleeing to...
Better mental health
Creating something with your hands can have a profound positive impact on mental health, especially for those who have experienced trauma. Studies show that engaging in hands-on activities can reduce stress and anxiety by up to 45%.
Many of the artisans we collaborate with have faced significant challenges in adjusting to new countries, often feeling displaced and disconnected.
Through practicing familiar crafts and connecting with new, like-minded communities, they begin to regain a sense of ownership, belonging, and community. Each product you purchase carries the story of a person’s journey, as well as their opportunity to rebuild and create anew.
Jouhania, who embroiders products in the Shatila refugee camp for The -able, shares: 'For me, embroidering is like stitching my life back together, thread by thread. It’s a traditional Palestinian craft that I am proud to bring back to life.
Greater financial freedom
According to the UN, around 70% of refugees live below the poverty line, and many do not have permission to work. Through our cooperation with local NGOs, people on the run get the opportunity to work and earn their own money through jobs they are good at. When people on the run are given the opportunity to be included in the labor market and earn their own money through dignified work, the sense of belonging to the new countries is strengthened and they are given the opportunity to take their first steps towards financial independence again.
Amina, who makes bags for The -able in Lebanon, says: “ Being financially independent from relief organizations has helped me regain my self-confidence and respect - I no longer feel like I'm outside, and I pass this strength and joy on to my children.”
Preserve endangered cultural heritage
An often overlooked consequence of people being forced to leave their homes and land is that local crafts are threatened. The traditions risk disappearing, as those who master the craft must leave materials, tools and practices behind.
At The -able, we work to preserve these traditions by always starting from the knowledge, skills and designs of the artisans and then integrating them into modern design and sustainable practices that can be continued in new countries.
Through our work, we ensure that these skills and traditions live on, while celebrating fine craftsmanship and respecting both people and the planet.