Special issue: Decolonialising refugee integration paradigms: visions for a new politics of inclusion and participation in Europe and beyond

This special issue introduces a decolonial approach to refugee integration, critically examining conventional paradigms that sustain colonial legacies in Europe and beyond. Through interdisciplinary contributions, we interrogate the concept of integration, exploring its limitations and the need for systemic transformation. Emphasising the shared yet complex contexts of Northern Ireland and the broader island of Ireland, we advocate for an inclusive, reciprocal model of integration rooted in feminist, intersectional, and decolonial ethics. This issue brings forth diverse perspectives, methodologies, and case studies that collectively challenge exclusionary practices, stressing the importance of participatory and community-centred approaches that honour the agency and cultural contributions of displaced communities. By advancing a decolonial lens, we propose a vision for integration as a space of mutual exchange, respect, and justice, urging policy reforms that address both historical and contemporary injustices.