Zambia Cancels Human Rights Summit: Concerns About Free Speech
Zambia has effectively canceled RightsCon 2026, a major human rights and technology summit planned for Lusaka. Human Rights Watch warns this threatens free expression and raises concerns about possible Chinese government interference.
The Zambian government has postponed RightsCon 2026. This decision effectively cancels the important summit. Human Rights Watch is very concerned about this news.
RightsCon is a major global conference. It focuses on human rights and technology. The 14th edition was planned for Lusaka, Zambia's capital. It was scheduled from May 5 to 8, 2026.
On April 29, the Zambian government made a statement. They said the postponement was necessary. The government wanted more information about topics planned for discussion. The technology minister also spoke about the decision. He said there were 'pending administrative issues' to resolve first.
Human Rights Watch is worried about free expression. They are also worried about the right to assembly. These are important rights for all people. This includes LGBTQ+ people in Zambia and across Africa.
RightsCon brings together activists and journalists. It also welcomes human rights defenders from around the world. LGBTQ+ rights are often discussed at this summit. Many African LGBTQ+ activists were looking forward to this event.
Human Rights Watch also raised another concern. They believe there may be Chinese government interference. China has strong influence in Zambia. This influence may affect decisions about free speech events.
Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has spoken about human rights before. He presented himself as a democratic leader. This cancellation raises serious questions. Many people now doubt his commitment to human rights.
LGBTQ+ rights in Zambia remain very restricted. Same-sex relationships are still illegal in the country. Events like RightsCon are important safe spaces. They allow activists to meet and share information freely.
The cancellation is a big setback. Civil society groups are deeply disappointed. Many organizations had already planned their participation. Now they must find other ways to meet and organize.
Human Rights Watch calls on Zambia to reverse this decision. They want the government to respect free assembly. The world is watching how Zambia handles this situation. LGBTQ+ communities and human rights defenders need these spaces to stay safe and visible.