The Power of Inclusive Language: Why Words Matter 3

Using inclusive language fosters respect—and creates an environment where everyone feels included and valued.

So how can we talk about Migration and Refugee Rights?

Here are some recommendations:

Terms to Avoid	Preferred Terms
illegal immigrant	asylum seeker, person/people seeking asylum
illegal migrant/migration	irregular migrant/migration, undocumented migrant/migration
economic migrant, expat, transit migrant	migrant
illegal migrants	people seeking… (safety, security, protection, asylum, refuge, to rebuild their lives, etc.) or refugee

Find more terms and great explanations in Oxfam’s Inclusive Language Guide.

Date: 19. June 2023

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