In a significant setback for human rights advocacy, Zambia has abruptly cancelled the RightsCon 2026 conference, the world’s largest gathering dedicated to addressing the intersection of human rights and technology. Initially scheduled for May 5-8 in Lusaka, the Zambian government cited misalignment with “national values” as the reason for its decision, which has drawn widespread condemnation from activists and civil society groups around the globe.
Last-Minute Cancellation Sparks Outrage
The cancellation, announced just days before the summit was set to commence, has left over 2,600 participants, including activists, technologists, scholars, and policymakers, in disarray. Thabo Kawana, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, stated that the decision was made to ensure that the gathering aligns with Zambia’s national values, priorities, and public interest.
RightsCon 2026 was poised to tackle pressing issues such as online hate speech, internet blackouts, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and the spread of disinformation—topics that are increasingly relevant as democratic rights face mounting challenges in various regions.
Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil society advocate, lamented the move as a blatant act of censorship. She asserted that it reflects a troubling trend towards the erosion of freedoms in Zambia, stating, “When the current administration came into power, they were a government of rule of law and democracy. What we are witnessing now is a gradual decline in rights, particularly concerning freedom of expression and the right to assemble.”
Allegations of External Pressure
Reports circulating in Zambian media suggest that the decision may have been influenced by external pressures, particularly from China. Several delegates from Taiwan were scheduled to attend the summit, which was set to take place in a venue donated by the Chinese government. The timing of the cancellation raises questions about the delicate balance Zambia is attempting to maintain in its diplomatic relations, particularly with influential countries like China.
Kasonde also linked the cancellation to the upcoming general elections in August 2026, suggesting that the government is implementing measures to consolidate power. “Political parties and civil society have been denied the opportunity to meet in public,” she noted, emphasising the implications of such restrictions on Zambia’s democratic processes.
Impact on the Global Human Rights Landscape
The abrupt cancellation of RightsCon 2026 has been met with widespread criticism from international organisations advocating for human rights. Access Now, the New York-based organisation responsible for organising the summit, expressed its disappointment in a statement, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the decision. “We see this unilateral action as indicative of the far-reaching impact of transnational repression targeting civil society, effectively shrinking the spaces in which we operate,” the statement read.
The ramifications extend beyond mere logistical difficulties for delegates, many of whom have invested significant time and resources in preparing for the event. Karna Kone from Côte d’Ivoire, who was slated to speak on digital censorship, described the cancellation as a significant financial and emotional loss. “This was one of the few global platforms where we could connect and share our work, especially regarding issues like safe abortion access,” Kone lamented.
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of TechHer in Nigeria, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the cancellation silences vital conversations around pressing challenges faced by marginalised communities, particularly women and girls in technology.
A Broader Pattern of Suppression
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 highlights a concerning trend in which governmental authorities increasingly weaponise regulations and compliance mechanisms to stifle dialogue and dissent. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and human rights activist, warned that if the cancellation of such conferences becomes normalized, it will significantly hinder the ability of human rights organisations to convene and advocate for change.
“It is deeply ironic that a conference dedicated to bolstering rights in digital spaces is being shut down in this manner,” remarked Martha Dimitratou, director of Repro Uncensored. The sentiment among many advocates is clear: the implications of this cancellation extend far beyond Zambia, signalling a chilling effect on global civil society.
Why it Matters
The cancellation of the RightsCon 2026 conference is not merely a logistical setback; it represents a troubling shift towards repression in Zambia and a broader pattern of governmental efforts to control discourse around human rights. As civic spaces continue to shrink across the globe, the ability of activists to come together, share strategies, and mobilise for change is increasingly at risk. The international community must remain vigilant, as the consequences of such actions threaten to undermine the very foundations of democratic society and the protection of fundamental human rights worldwide.