On May 1, 2026, Access Now, the organization behind RightsCon, announced the cancellation of the conference scheduled to take place in Lusaka, Zambia. This year’s edition was intended to focus on critical discussions surrounding digital rights and featured a roster of prominent speakers, including experts from organizations like Amnesty International and leaders in technology and human rights sectors.

The decision to cancel occurred after Chinese diplomats exerted pressure on the Zambian government regarding the attendance of Taiwanese participants. A statement from Access Now described how, on April 27, they received alarming communication from Zambia’s Ministry of Technology indicating that diplomats from the People's Republic of China were unhappy about Taiwanese civil society representatives planning to join the conference.

Zambia’s initial support for hosting RightsCon turned into a predicament, as they cited a need for comprehensive disclosures related to “key thematic issues” proposed for the summit. Access Now stressed that these vague reasons appeared to serve as a way for the Zambian government to control the agenda, hinting at external influence likely linked to Chinese concerns.

The cancellation raises significant alarms about freedom of assembly and expression, particularly under the backdrop of geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan. RightsCon has traditionally offered a platform for discussing strategies to foster an open digital environment, therefore its cancellation reflects a worrying trend of stifling dialogue around human rights.

Access Now expressed dismay at the loss of an important forum for civil society engagement and pledged to find a way forward despite this setback. The conference has a history of resilience, having been hosted in various countries, and organizers reaffirmed their commitment to continue advocating for digital rights, irrespective of governmental pressures.

"The effective cancellation of RightsCon is a serious loss for the promotion of human rights," remarked Idriss Ali Nassah, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. With Zambia expected to embrace discussions on technology and rights, this decision highlights the complex landscape in which civil society operates, particularly in regions where foreign influence plays a profound role in domestic policy.

As the digital rights community reacts to this cancellation, many are calling for a reevaluation of future venues for important human rights discussions, seeking environments that genuinely support open dialogue and expression free from government interference.