Citation

Tiburcio J. J. Hum. Secur. 2010; 6(2): 47-57.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Librello Publishing)

DOI

10.3316/JHS0602047

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In Angola, religious non-governmental actors are responsible for some essential initiatives which lead to the achievement of improved human security standards and, in wider context, the resolution of conflicts and general development. Primarily concerned with humanitarian relief, these actors are also directly and indirectly engaged in 'human security perceptions exchanges', as beliefs and values are transmitted and their presence spreads through urban and rural areas of Angola. This article assumes the hypothesis that although essential to human security in specific localities, (1) religious non-state actors can perpetuate chronic state deficiencies when they take upon themselves general human security responsibilities without any partnership arrangements with the local (and central) government agencies; simultaneously, (2) they allow government agencies to indefinitely postpone investment in key areas; (3) limited international resources and the scarcity of local qualified staff hinder the reach of the programs, and (4) priorities and activities of the international religious actors are conducive to improvements in human security, but, in the short term, encourage dependent behaviour.