Zambia has cancelled the world's largest conference on human rights and technology just days before it was scheduled to begin, with the government stating that the event did not align with "national values." The RightsCon 2026 summit, themed "human rights in the digital age," was set to take place in Lusaka from 5 to 8 May, drawing over 2,600 activists, technologists, academics, and policymakers.
Government Reversal Sparks Controversy
Originally welcomed by Zambian authorities, the conference faced a sudden reversal when Thabo Kawana, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, announced last week that the gathering would be postponed to ensure it "aligns with Zambia's national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations." Rights campaigners have condemned the decision as a blatant act of censorship and part of a broader pattern of suppressing legitimate debate.
Allegations of Chinese Pressure
Local news reports suggest that pressure from China may have influenced the cancellation, as several Taiwanese delegates were expected to attend. The conference was also scheduled to be held at a venue donated by China. Last year's RightsCon took place in Taipei, and the event has been running for 14 years.
Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and founder of the LCK Freedom Foundation, criticised the move, stating, "When the current administration came into power, they were a government of rule of law and democracy. What we are seeing is a slow degradation of rights – of freedom of expression and the right to assemble." She linked the cancellation to the upcoming general election in August 2026, noting that the government has been steadily enacting laws to entrench power.
Impact on Delegates and Organisers
Access Now, the New York-based organisation that organises RightsCon, expressed dismay, saying the unilateral decision "is evidence of the far reach of transnational repression targeting civil society, and effectively shrinking the spaces in which we operate." Many delegates had already booked and paid for travel. Karna Kone from Côte d'Ivoire, who was to join a panel on digital censorship, had spent months organising his visa. "Travelling from west Africa is very expensive and a lot of logistical work. It's a loss in terms of money and of energy," he said.
Broader Implications for Human Rights
The conference was expected to address critical issues such as online hate, internet shutdowns, AI, surveillance, and disinformation, at a time when democratic, women's, and LGBTQ+ rights face intense assault. Chioma Agwuegbo, director of TechHer in Nigeria, noted that the cancellation reflects a troubling pattern where compliance mechanisms are weaponised to restrict convening, dialogue, and dissent. "These constraints silence voices and weaken ecosystems working to protect fundamental human rights, including the safety and dignity of women and girls online," she said.
Luca Stevenson of the International Planned Parenthood Federation highlighted that RightsCon was a critical space for marginalised communities, including sex workers, LGBTQIA+ people, and those seeking sexual and reproductive healthcare. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and human rights activist, warned that the cancellation sets a dangerous precedent: "If cancellation of conferences becomes normalised, it is human rights groups that will progressively find it hard to convene. Restrictions on human rights harm those without power."
