Key Concepts

A MIGRANT is someone who moves, either temporarily or permanently, from one country of residence to another because of e.g. work, study or join family.

The UNHCR/IOM describes a migrant as any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a State away from their habitual residence, regardless of: legal status, cause of movement, or whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary (IOM Glossary on Migration, 2019.)

A REFUGEE is a person who has been forced to leave their home country to escape war, persecution or natural disaster.

The UNHCR describes a refugee as: “A person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.” (UN General Assembly, 1951)

An ASYLUM-SEEKER is a person who has left their home country as a refugee and is applying for asylum in another country. Someone is an asylum seeker for so long as their application for refugee status is pending. So not every asylum seeker will be recognised as a refugee, but every refugee is initially an asylum seeker.

The UNHCR describes an asylum-seeker as a person who has applied for recognition as a refugee and is awaiting a decision on their claim (UNHCR, “Master Glossary of Terms.”)

A UNDOCUMENTED PERSON is a person who does not hold documentation that proves their identity nor their right to stay in the country.

UNHCR / IOM describes an undocumented person as a person who enters, stays, or works in a country without the necessary authorization or documents required under immigration regulations (IOM Glossary, 2019.) The UN and UNHCR recommend the term “irregular” over “illegal,” emphasizing that a person is not illegal, only their situation or entry may be.

Mini-Quiz

When we talk about women of migrant background, we use and interpret this in the broadest sense of the word: we refer both to women who have themselves migrated in their life and to women whose parents have migrated. Some other groups can be addressed as well, for example both minority and majority Muslim women. For practical purposes, the term women of migrant background will be used from now on when referring to women with migration background. However, the use of this concept does not imply that women of migrant background should be seen only in relation to their migration background. The migration background is merely one aspect of their history, which is crucial in this context due to the topic.

SOCIAL EXCLUSION is a state in which individuals are unable to participate fully in economic, social, political or cultural life. Exclusion from the prevailing social system and its rights and privileges.

INTEGRATION assumes there is something different about migrant and refugee groups, and they are accepted into mainstream society on the condition that they adapt and ‘fit in’.

INCLUSION is based on the idea that everyone is different and all can contribute positively to society. So, migrant and refugee groups are welcomed into mainstream society because they can add something special and valuable to it.

"Joining the local running club has been life-changing for me. I get to exercise and improve my fitness, but I’ve also met neighbours from many different backgrounds. Running together and organizing events learned me a lot about local traditions. Being a member of this club makes me feel more part of the local community” — Leila, sportsperson from Syria

INCLUSION IN SPORT: focus on the sports setting itself. Making sport itself inclusive: sports clubs, teams, and activities are accessible, welcoming, and safe for all people, regardless of gender, disability, migration background, socio-economic status, etc.

Example: A football club ensures its facilities are wheelchair-accessible, offers low-cost membership, and trains coaches on cultural sensitivity so women of migrant background feel welcome.

INCLUSION THROUGH SPORT: focus on the wider society. Using sport to create inclusion in society: sport as a tool to foster integration, social cohesion, and equal participation in community life.

Example: A running group brings together women of migrant background and local women, helping them build friendships, learn the local language, and feel more connected to the community.

Mini-Quiz

Indicate if the examples below are inclusion in sport or inclusion through sport.

In inclusive sport contexts, participation is shaped not only by motivation, but also by the conditions in which activities take place: whether the environment feels safe, whether expectations are clear, and whether participants have meaningful choice.

For women with migrant backgrounds, these conditions may be influenced by language barriers, unfamiliar social norms, previous experiences of exclusion, practical constraints (time, childcare, transport), and concerns about dignity in public or mixed-gender settings. These are contextual factors that programmes should recognise and address.

Three core concepts

• Safety: physical, emotional and social conditions that reduce fear of harm, judgement or humiliation.
• Predictability: clear structures, routines and communication that make participation understandable and manageable.
• Agency: the participant’s ability to make meaningful choices about pace, role, activity type and level of engagement.

Inclusion is stronger when all three are present together. For example, a session may be welcoming, but if participants have no real choice, sustained participation can still be fragile.

Key concept: inclusion is not only about who is invited, but also about how participation is structured.