The President of the Republic of Lithuania awarded Judge Albie Sachs for his contribution to democracy and human rights
On the Statehood Day of Lithuania (the Coronation of King Mindaugas) and the National Anthem Day, President Gitanas Nausėda honoured Judge Albie Sachs.
On the Statehood Day of Lithuania (the Coronation of King Mindaugas) and the National Anthem Day, President Gitanas Nausėda honoured Judge Albie Sachs, a prominent South African lawyer, anti-apartheid activist, and one of the key architects of the democratic Constitution of South Africa, with the Lithuanian State Award – the Order For Merits to Lithuania, Commander's Cross.
The Award is given to Judge A. Sachs for his outstanding contribution to strengthening democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the world.
"I sincerely thank you all for what you have done for Lithuania and what you will do in the future. The example of each of your lives is a living proof of a courageous, creative, modern state that actively participates in international life. The brightest jewel in King of Lithuania Mindaugas' crown, in the light of which today we feel proud of our country," said President Gitanas Nausėda during the solemn ceremony.
This is the first visit of Judge Albie Sachs to Lithuania, the land of his ancestors. During his visit, he met with the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys, lawyers, artists, intellectuals, and youth.
A key highlight of the visit was the public discussion “Why is it important to defend democracy and how to do it?” held at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania. It was attended by Judge Albie Sachs, Prof. Dainius Žalimas, former President of the Constitutional Court, Member of the European Parliament, and Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis, the first leader of the restored independent Lithuania and a prominent figure in the Lithuanian democratic movement. The discussion focused on fragility, resilience, and moral strength of democracy in the face of contemporary threats.
Judge Albie Sachs, a close ally of Nelson Mandela, former judge of the South African Constitutional Court, has survived an assassination attempt due to his political activities, during which he was seriously injured. Despite this, he continued anti-apartheid struggle, became one of the architects of the democratic constitution, and a prominent human rights defender and humanitarian.
Albie Sachs' visit to Lithuania is a symbolic return to his family roots and a living reminder that the fight for freedom and democracy knows no borders.
Photo credit: Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania
