Zambia Postpones RightsCon 2026, Raising Alarms Over Human Rights Commitment

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. This move raises questions about potential interference from external actors, particularly the Chinese government. The 14th edition of RightsCon was set to take place in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, from May 5 to 8, 2026.

Government’s Justification for 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 had previously mentioned that the delay was to facilitate “pending administrative and security clearances” for some speakers. Consequently, the summit 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 was an attempt to control the summit’s human rights agenda. He emphasized the need for a transparent explanation for the last-minute cancellation, which he described as a significant setback for human rights advocacy.

Civil Society’s Response

Civil society groups have voiced strong objections to the government’s decision. A statement from the Net Rights Coalition, along with over 130 digital rights stakeholders, highlighted concerns about the shrinking civic space in Zambia. RightsCon is recognized as a pivotal summit focused on human rights and technology, where participants engage in discussions aimed at fostering a more open and connected digital world. Human Rights Watch staff were slated to address critical issues such as safeguarding core internet functions during conflicts, the export of surveillance technology, corporate accountability, and the ethical implications of technology in human rights research.

Deborah Brown, the technology and rights deputy director at Human Rights Watch, remarked that the cancellation of RightsCon stifles vital discussions on pressing human rights issues, representing a detrimental blow to the digital rights movement both in Zambia and globally.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

The backdrop of this cancellation is troubling. In 2023, over 300 participants, primarily from the Global South, were denied entry to the RightsCon event in Costa Rica after applying for visa-on-arrival. The following year, the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, hosted by Saudi Arabia, faced criticism for limiting civil society participation due to fears of surveillance and reprisals, leading to censorship of human rights discussions.

Sishuwa Sishuwa, a prominent Zambian academic, noted that the Zambian authorities may have been apprehensive about the scrutiny that summit delegates, mainly human rights activists, would place on the country’s human rights record. He pointed out that Zambia has witnessed severe restrictions on peaceful assembly, free speech, and freedom of association, alongside the arrests of government critics and political opponents on various charges, including criminal libel and sedition. These issues were likely to be focal points of discussion at the summit, coinciding with the official campaign period for the August general election.

In April 2025, the Zambian Parliament enacted the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act. Civil society organizations have argued that certain provisions of these laws do not align with international human rights standards and pose threats to democracy and accountability. These laws have been employed to curtail online expression and to detain political adversaries.

The Law Association of Zambia has petitioned the High Court to declare parts of the Cyber Crimes Act unconstitutional, with the matter currently pending in court.

Concerns Over External Influence

The Ministry of Technology and Science had initially welcomed the hosting of RightsCon 2026, asserting that it aligned with Zambia’s national development agenda. However, a civil society activist involved in the organizing committee indicated that the postponement followed expressions of discontent from the Chinese government regarding the participation of delegates from Taiwan. Reports suggest that Zambian authorities were uneasy about Taiwanese delegates potentially criticizing China at a venue funded by the Chinese government.

The Mulungushi Conference Center, designated as the summit venue, underwent refurbishment in 2020 with a reported investment of $60 million from China. While Zambian officials characterized this support as a “gift” with “no strings attached,” the implications of such financial ties raise questions about sovereignty and influence in national decision-making.

China’s significant investments in Zambia, particularly in the mining sector, further complicate the landscape. Zambia is also a participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Human Rights Watch has documented numerous instances of abusive labor conditions linked to Chinese mining operations, which have raised public health concerns among local residents. Despite ongoing calls for accountability, the Zambian government has shown limited willingness to regulate these practices effectively.

Implications for Human Rights and Civil Society

The cancellation of RightsCon underscores the urgent need for such events to be hosted in nations where governments are committed to fostering open dialogue on human rights and supporting fundamental freedoms. Idriss Ali Nassah emphasized that the human rights environment in Zambia has become increasingly hostile to dissent and criticism, particularly as the 2026 elections approach. He called for Zambian authorities to ensure the free exercise of rights related to expression, association, and assembly, and to allow civil society to convene without government interference.

The developments surrounding RightsCon 2026 serve as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by civil society in Zambia and the broader implications for human rights advocacy in the region.

Source: www.zawya.com

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