Layered intervention design for culturally inclusive disaster management for migrants and refugees: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Migrants and refugees are widely recognized as experiencing disproportionate challenges in climate-related disasters, particularly in accessing understandable information and appropriate support. While barriers faced by migrants and refugees are well documented in the literature, evidence remains limited on how culturally inclusive interventions are designed, implemented, and sustained in practice. On this premise, this review systematically synthesizes peer-reviewed studies of projects and programs designed to improve equity for migrants and refugees and minimize the impacts of climate-related hazards. Eligible English-language peer-reviewed studies were retrieved through searches of CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus, with no restriction on publication year or geographical focus. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The synthesis identified four recurring intervention domains: inclusive communication systems, collaborative planning and delivery, actionable plans supporting self-reliance, and capacity building for communities and practitioners. Based on their recurrence and complementary functions, this review proposes that these domains may be considered together as a layered conceptual framework. This review contributes original value by being among the first to systematically synthesize intervention evidence specifically targeting migrants and refugees in disaster management, identifying critical gaps in evaluation rigour and offering methodological recommendations to strengthen future program design and accountability.