The Zambian government abruptly canceled the RightsCon conference, a major international gathering focused on human rights and technology, just days before it was scheduled to start in Lusaka on May 5. Officials said the event needed to be postponed to ensure “full alignment with Zambia’s national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations.”
RightsCon organizers subsequently announced the conference would not proceed and advised registered participants against traveling to Lusaka. Thousands of advocates, technologists, academics, and policymakers had planned to attend the event, which was organized by the digital rights group Access Now.
Government reversal after initial support
In the weeks leading up to the event, Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science had expressed support for RightsCon, highlighting its relevance to the country’s development agenda. Government officials were seen meeting with RightsCon director Nikki Gladstone and local civil society partners, including Richard Mulonga of Bloggers of Zambia, an organization advocating for digital rights and free expression.
The cancellation came amid increased domestic scrutiny of Zambia’s digital policies. The government passed new laws in 2023 that critics say enable surveillance and suppress free speech online. Bloggers of Zambia and other civil society groups have been vocal opponents of these laws.
Zambia’s digital rights environment is rated “partly free” by Freedom House’s 2025 Freedom on the Net index, citing cases of imprisonment for online expression critical of the government, as well as harassment of journalists. The cancellation occurred just months ahead of Zambia’s August 13 general election, during a politically sensitive period under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.
Digital rights community condemns cancellation
The global digital rights community reacted quickly to the cancellation, expressing disappointment and solidarity with Access Now. Advocates described the move as a serious blow to civil society and the broader cause of human rights.
Aliya Bhatia of the Center for Democracy & Technology called it an attempt to “snuff out” a crucial platform for dialogue, while David Kaye, former UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, described the late-stage cancellation as “horrible,” given that many attendees were already en route to Zambia.
Regional nonprofit Paradigm Initiative publicly condemned the government’s decision “in the strongest terms.” Observers noted that RightsCon has faced challenges adapting to geopolitical tensions and restrictions over recent years, including visa refusals and funding cuts.
Why it matters
RightsCon serves as a key forum for dialogue on the intersection of human rights and technology, attracting global participation. Its cancellation impacts advocacy efforts around digital freedom, particularly in countries like Zambia where government control over digital spaces is tightening. The decision also underscores growing challenges faced by civil society organizations in engaging with governments amid political sensitivities.
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Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source: