The world is currently seeing an enormous displacement of people, mostly from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and from north-west African nations. (source: UN) While the European states are struggling with policy reform and are polarized because of their own economic crisis, the UN and a multitude of NGOs are stumbling over one another to provide hospitality and care to the displaced. Amongst the care they provide are a number of so called Core Relief Items from the UNHCR. The 14 standard life‐sustaining items include plastic tarpaulins, family tents, fleece blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen sets, jerry cans, buckets and most recently a Refugee Housing Unit. The items despite being made with durable materials, due to constant exposure to the elements and over‐ use, their core function have a low expected life expectancy.
CORE RELIEF will use open‐source design and additive manufacturing to improve, up‐cycle and recycle the 14 standard core relief items in efforts to improve properties, extend life‐span, or give a second chance to a depleted item. By focusing on the UNHCR specified Core Relief Items the results of a localized workshop in Lesvos are applicable in every disaster area and emergency zone around the world.
Several adapters were 3D printed to add extra functionality to the flexible jerrycans provided by UNHCR; a.o. a tap, a water filter and a breather device. Find the designs here and read more about the project.
Core Relief is supported by a.o.