Protect democracy, rights, urges Czech envoy
By Mast Reporter
ZAMBIA and Africa should be reminded that democracy, development and human rights are indispensable, Czech Republic Ambassador to Zambia Jerry Kirill has said.
In his key note speech during the commemoration of the International Democracy Day in Lusaka Monday, Kirill said democracy should be a continuous process of dialogue, participation and respect for the dignity of every individual.
“In 1989, during the so-called Velvet Revolution, citizens of my country peacefully ended four decades of the authoritarian Communist rule that was continuously suppressing the very basic rights of our citizens,” he said.
“When we finally became free, we learned of the true struggle that free institutions, an independent judiciary, vibrant civil society and professional non-partisan media are the strongest safeguards of our own liberty.”
Kirill said the commemoration should provide Zambians with an invaluable opportunity to reflect on how democratic principles and the rule of law should be realised.
He said in a democracy, the institution of governance should be respected and protected at all costs.
Kirill said promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law was not only a moral responsibility, but also a strategic interest.
He said a healthy democracy respected electoral integrity, the rule of law, media freedom, digital rights and inclusive governance.
“These topics are not unique to Zambia. They resonate in Europe and around the world, including my own country. Unfortunately, democracy is and always will be a never fully finished business. It requires constant effort, honest self-assessment and above all, the active participation of citizens, young and old, women and men people from every walk of life,” Kirill said.
He said that his government was observing Zambia’s democratic journey with keen interest.
“We remember very well the challenges of our own struggle for restoration of democracy after four decades of communist rule. This job that has not been finished fully yet. And what we see here in Zambia, we witness, for instance, growing engagement of young people and women in public life, or continued vigilance of civil society and media. Zambia, all of this testifies to a democracy that is vibrant and dynamic,” he said.
Karill said like any democracy, Zambia was facing various challenges such as ensuring that journalists were safe.
He said voices of minorities being heard and digital rights protection were among the challenges faced in Zambia.
Karill said his country was ready to listen and to share experiences in enhancing democratic governance.
“Through our bilateral development cooperation, and as part of the European Union, we support initiatives that empower citizens, enhance accountability and strengthen the rule of law. In Zambia, the Czech development projects range from sustainable agriculture and water management to support for civic education and the empowerment of youth and women. These are not isolated technical issues, as one might claim. They are investments in the democratic resilience of the society,” he said.
Karill said in a democracy, it was critical to have dialogue between government, civil society and media.
“I would like to reiterate that defending democracy is a shared endeavour, transcending borders and cultures. As we move toward the 2026 elections in Zambia, we may draw strength from our common commitment to democratic values. The Czech Republic stands beside Zambia as a partner and friend on this ongoing journey,” he said.
