Citation

Shepherd LJ. Int. Rev. Red Cross (1999) 2010; 92(877): 143-159.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, International Committee of the Red Cross, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S1816383110000093

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Facilitating critical reflection on the words and concepts used to write policy enables practitioners to avoid unconsciously reproducing the different forms of oppression and exclusion that their policies seek to overcome. In this article, the author provides an analysis of Chapter 5.10 of the United Nations Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Standards, arguing that policy makers, scholars, students and practitioners cannot avoid making and/or changing meaning through their well-meaning interventions, but that this need not lead to political or practical inertia.