Zambia cancels world’s largest human rights and tech summit days before start
Summary
Zambia canceled the world's largest human rights and technology conference, RightsCon 2026, just days before it was set to start. The government said the event did not fit with national values, causing disappointment among activists and organizers who had planned for months.Key Facts
- RightsCon 2026 was planned to be held in Lusaka, Zambia, from May 5-8.
- The event focused on human rights in the digital age, including issues like online hate, internet shutdowns, AI, and surveillance.
- Over 2,600 people, including activists and experts, were expected to attend.
- Zambia's government said the conference needed more time to align with the country's values and policies.
- Some believe pressure from China influenced the cancellation, especially since some Taiwanese delegates were involved.
- Rights groups say this is part of a pattern of reducing free speech and assembly ahead of Zambia’s August 2026 elections.
- The cancellation damages Zambia’s international reputation and disappoints many who had spent time and money preparing to attend.
- The RightsCon organizer, Access Now, called the cancellation an example of global efforts to limit civil society activity.
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