Yesterday, December 10, was International Human Rights Day, and Zambia, after 61 years of political independence, has reached a critical juncture. The country continues to make progress in establishing democratic governance. However, Zambia continues to encounter a number of governance and human-rights challenges, including a narrowing civic space, pressures on media freedom, and heightened risks for individuals and organisations engaged in human rights advocacy. As these challenges evolve, sustaining international cooperation becomes very important as it plays a constructive role in helping strengthen national institutions and ensuring that legal and policy frameworks continue to advance the protection and promotion of human rights.
Among the partners that have been consistently engaged in this effort is the Government of Czechia. Through the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Transformation Cooperation Programme, which supports democracy and human-rights initiatives globally, the Czech Embassy in Lusaka has contributed meaningfully to efforts aimed at fostering accountability, transparency, and the safeguarding of fundamental freedoms in Zambia. For over 20 years, Czechia has shared its experience with democratic transformation, promoting the rule of law, freedom of expression, civil society, equality and non-discrimination.
And in the last several years, the Czech Embassy has played a quiet, yet effective role in the human rights landscape in Zambia. The focus of the Czech Embassy in Zambia has been on providing support to protect, equip, and recognise the defenders of others’ rights (journalists, lawyers, activists, and community advocates) so that they may continue to work. Its commitment to protecting human rights defenders is a reflection of the Czech Republic’s history – a country where free expression was severely restricted and human rights defenders operated in constant fear during the many decades of authoritarian rule. That lived experience has informed the country’s approach to global partnerships today, grounded in the belief that societies flourish when voices are free, institutions are accountable and capacities built to ensure continued championing of democratic values and respect for human rights.
The Czech Embassy’s technical and financial support to Zambian HRDs and organisations that champion and protect human rights signals its commitment to standing in solidarity with the defenders in every situation. This type of support provides assurance and comfort for HRDs who, in many cases, operate with fear where public scrutiny may cause them to experience pressure or retaliation from the authorities they are trying to hold accountable. Through its diplomatic initiatives, the Czech Embassy has also kept the issue of civic space in the forefront of international discussions, creating an opportunity for the global community to discuss the overall health of Zambia’s democracy.
As we celebrate Human Rights Day today, we are reminded that while human rights may be celebrated only on one day in a year, there is a need to protect them from backsliding in every democracy, and Zambia is no exception. No society advances without individuals willing to speak out against injustice. Zambia is fortunate to have many individuals and organisations championing justice through a vibrant community of journalists, lawyers and activists. However, each of those individuals have limitations, such as laws that threaten full enjoyment of human rights of Zambians.
Only workable and long-lasting partnerships will provide a platform for the protection of human rights and HRDs. The Czech Embassy provides a perfect example of an authentic partnering relationship – continually collaborating and having a shared respect for each other. Zambia’s ongoing effort to become a society that is more open and just will require the formation of similar relationships through collaborations. On Human Rights Day, we recognise those who are actively defending human rights as well as to those who are supporting them as allies – journalists, lawyers, activists.
We wish you all a happy International Human Rights Day.