On Development Language - Part 2

In my last post I wrote about terminology in development that carries post-colonial legacies. Sadly, post-colonial terms are not the only ones finding their way in our lives. Over the past decade, language drawn from security has entered development practice. Words like "stability", "resilience", "extremism", "radicalization", and "for peace" now appear in donor frameworks, national strategies, and project titles addressing education, jobs, health, migration, urban planning, and even social protection. It is disturbing that education, a fundamental human right, is increasingly described as a tool for stability rather than as a right to learn and develop. The same trend is more visible in youth-focused programs, where terms like “at-risk youth,” “radicalization prevention,” and “reintegration” have replaced language that once highlighted learning, livelihoods, and civic participation. Participation, prevention, and protection are no longer framed around wellbeing, they are increasingly seen through security lens that view young people and communities as potential risks before recognizing them as rights-holders and contributors.

We need to reconsider these terms to reflecting human rights and respect more clearly. Programs that would label someone as “at-risk” could instead describe them as someone “facing limited opportunities.” Activities framed as “radicalization prevention” could be called “participation in civic life.” Projects described as “reintegration” could be “support for social and economic inclusion”... 

Please, we need to remain intentional about our language to facilitate social change and ensure development continues to promote rights, trust, inclusion, and wellbeing for everyone.

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