Zambia Postpones RightsCon 2026, Raising Concerns Over Free Expression and Government Interference
The Zambian government’s recent decision to postpone RightsCon 2026, effectively canceling the summit, has sparked significant concerns regarding the authorities’ commitment to free expression and assembly. Human Rights Watch highlighted potential interference from the Chinese government in this development. The 14th edition of RightsCon was set to take place in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, from May 5 to 8, 2026.
Official Statement on Postponement
On April 29, the Zambian government issued a statement indicating that the postponement was “necessitated by the need for comprehensive disclosure relating to key thematic issues proposed for discussion during the Summit.” The Minister of Technology and Science previously noted that the postponement was necessary to allow for “pending administrative and security clearances” for some speakers. Consequently, the summit’s organizers, Access Now, advised registered participants against traveling to Lusaka for the event.
Idriss Ali Nassah, a senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, criticized the government’s rationale, suggesting it indicated an attempt to control the summit’s human rights agenda. He emphasized the need for authorities to provide a full explanation for the last-minute cancellation, describing it as a serious setback for human rights advocacy.
Civil Society Response
Civil society groups have expressed discontent with the government’s actions. A statement from the Net Rights Coalition, along with over 130 digital rights stakeholders, raised alarms about the implications of the postponement for civic space in Zambia. RightsCon is recognized as a premier summit focusing on human rights and technology, aimed at fostering discussions on strategies for a more open and connected digital world. Human Rights Watch staff members were scheduled to participate in various sessions addressing critical issues such as internet governance, surveillance technology, and corporate accountability.
Deborah Brown, the technology and rights deputy director at Human Rights Watch, remarked that the cancellation stifles vital discussions and opportunities to strategize on pressing human rights issues. She characterized the decision as a significant blow to the digital rights movement both in Zambia and globally.
Context of Recent Developments
In 2023, over 300 participants, primarily from the Global South, faced entry denials when applying for visas to attend RightsCon in Costa Rica. The following year, the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, hosted by Saudi Arabia, saw reduced civil society participation due to concerns over surveillance, harassment, and reprisals, resulting in censorship of human rights discussions.
Sishuwa Sishuwa, a prominent Zambian academic, suggested that the Zambian authorities may have feared scrutiny from summit delegates, many of whom are human rights activists. He noted that Zambia has experienced severe restrictions on peaceful assembly, free speech, and freedom of association, with numerous arrests of government critics and political opponents on various charges.
In April 2025, the Zambian Parliament enacted the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act. Civil society organizations argued that certain provisions of these laws do not comply with international human rights standards and threaten democratic principles. These laws have been employed to limit online expression and arrest political adversaries.
Legal Challenges and Government Commitments
The Law Association of Zambia has petitioned the High Court to declare parts of the Cyber Crimes Act unconstitutional, with the matter currently pending. Earlier, on March 3, the Ministry of Technology and Science had welcomed the hosting of RightsCon 2026, asserting that the summit aligned with Zambia’s national development agenda. The ministry had also issued official letters to some anticipated participants to facilitate visa approvals for the conference.
A civil society activist involved in the RightsCon organizing committee indicated that the postponement followed discontent expressed by the Chinese government regarding the invitation of participants from Taiwan. Reports suggested that Zambian authorities were uneasy about Taiwanese delegates potentially criticizing China at a venue funded by the Chinese government.
The Mulungushi Conference Center, designated to host the summit, underwent refurbishment in 2020, funded by the Chinese government at an estimated cost of $60 million. Zambian officials previously described this support as a “gift from China” with “no strings attached.” Human Rights Watch has not independently verified any direct involvement of China in the Zambian government’s decision-making process.
Implications for Human Rights in Zambia
China is a significant investor in Zambia, particularly in the mining sector, and Zambia is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Human Rights Watch has documented various human rights abuses linked to Chinese mining operations, which have raised public health and safety concerns. Despite ongoing calls for accountability, the Zambian government has shown little inclination to regulate these operations effectively.
The cancellation of RightsCon highlights the necessity for such events to occur in nations where governments actively support open dialogue on human rights and fundamental freedoms. Idriss Ali Nassah noted that the human rights environment in Zambia has become increasingly hostile to dissent and criticism, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 elections. He urged Zambian authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the free exercise of rights related to expression, association, and assembly, allowing civil society to operate without government interference.
Source: www.zawya.com
Published on 2026-05-01 16:16:00 • By the Editorial Desk
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