Glossary

Depending on the context, any group or sector of society (such as children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, ethnic or religious minorities, migrants, particularly those who are in an irregular situation, or persons of diverse sex, sexual orientation and gender identity (SSOGI)) that is at higher risk of being subjected to discriminatory practices, violence, social disadvantage, or economic hardship than other groups within the State. These groups are also at higher risk in periods of conflict, crisis or disasters.

In the context of international return migration, reintegration can be considered sustainable when returnees have reached levels of economic self-sufficiency, social stability within their communities, and psychosocial well-being that allow them to cope with possible (re)migration drivers.

Generic term encompassing all individuals whose sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual characteristics place them outside the culturally dominant categories.

The consistent process of improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of people who are disadvantaged because of their identity, to take part in society.

While there is no one universal definition, social cohesion is usually associated with such notions as “solidarity”, “togetherness”, “tolerance” and “harmonious co-existence” and refers to a social order in a specific society or community based on a common vision and a sense of belonging to said community; where the diversity of people’s different backgrounds and circumstances are appreciated and positively valued; those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities; and strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.

Any mode of acquisition after birth of a nationality not previously held by the person that requires an application by this person or his or her legal agent, as well as an act of granting nationality by a public authority.

A model of integration policies that welcomes the preservation, expression and sometimes even the celebration of cultural diversity. This approach encourages migrants to become full members of society while retaining their cultural identities. It combines the recognition of varied backgrounds, traditions and ways of seeing the world with certain universalist values, such as the rule of law or gender equality, that override cultural differences and guarantee the same rights for all. The integration relationship is then best captured in the image of a mosaic, enabling minority ethnic groupings to live side by side with the majority constituency.

A movement in which several people are travelling together, generally in an irregular manner, using the same routes and means of transport, but for different reasons. People travelling as part of mixed movements have varying needs and profiles and may include asylum seekers, refugees, trafficked persons, unaccompanied/separated children, and migrants in an irregular situation.

The combined frameworks of legal norms, laws and regulations, policies and traditions as well as organizational structures (sub-national, national, regional and international) and the relevant processes that shape and regulate States’ approaches with regard to migration in all its forms, addressing rights and responsibilities and promoting international cooperation.

The movement of persons away from their place of usual residence, either across an international border or within a State.