Prague,17 November – Today marks the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, the peaceful civic movement that began on 17 November 1989 and led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. What started as a student commemoration in Prague quickly developed into a nationwide protest after authorities responded with force. In the days that followed, demonstrations spread across the country, accompanied by a general strike. The Civic Forum, led by Václav Havel, and the Slovak initiative Public Against Violence became central platforms articulating public demands for political change. The events of November 1989 ultimately reshaped the political landscape of Czechoslovakia.
As every year, Václavské náměstí in Prague hosts commemorative gatherings, while in Bratislava the Festival Slobody, where PEMC particpates with its exhibition, continues to highlight the significance of freedom and civic responsibility.
We extend our regards to our Czech and Slovak member organisations whose work contributes to preserving the historical memory of totalitarianism and promoting democratic values across generations:
- Association of Former Soldiers of the Auxiliary Technical Battalions – Military Forced Labour Camps
- Centrum pro dokumentaci totalitních režimů
- Konfederace politických vězňů ČR
- Sdružení Paměť z.s.
- Političtí vězni.cz
- Paměť národa
- Pražský akademický klub 48
- Archiv bezpečnostních složek ČR
- Stopy paměti
- Muzeum paměti XX. století
- Ústav pro studium totalitních režimů
- Nenápadní hrdinovia
- Ján Langoš Foundation
- Ústav pamäti národa
- Stanica Žilina-Záriečie
- Living Memory
Their continued engagement plays an essential role in safeguarding the legacy of the Velvet Revolution and supporting public understanding of the historical struggle for freedom and democracy.