The BAFTS Board and Staff are deeply saddened by the devastating flash floods that have struck Nepal, bringing widespread destruction and loss of life to communities across the country.
Many of our members – including Karma Gear, Paper High, Shakti.ism, Lovethatstuff, Pachamama Ltd, Rainbow Rebel, Tiger Mountain, Koseli Handmade and Aura Que – work closely with artisans in Nepal, often through personal and professional relationships built over many years. They are friends, families, and communities that our members know and care about deeply.
We understand from members that the situation remains critical. People are still missing, many have already lost loved ones, and homes have been destroyed. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and with our members who are anxiously waiting for news of the people and communities they work with.
It is still very early days, and the full scale of this tragedy is only beginning to emerge. As an organisation, we want our members to know that the BAFTS network stands with them, and that we will do everything within our ability to offer support in the days, weeks and months ahead.
We recognise that once the immediate trauma starts to subside, the long road to rebuilding lives will begin. A vital part of that recovery will be the ability to earn a living again, and the fair trade model that underpins our members’ work – ensuring artisans are paid fairly for their skill and labour – will have an important role to play in that recovery.
We will continue to listen to our members, stay informed, and share guidance on how the wider BAFTS community can best help as the picture becomes clearer.
Our thoughts are with Nepal.
BAFTS Board and Staff
