Deep concern over actions that led to the cancellation of RightsCon 2026 in Zambia

Front Line Defenders is deeply concerned by the actions that led to the cancellation of RightsCon 2026 in Zambia and stands in solidarity with Access Now and the global RightsCon community.

As an organisation that was due to participate, including through a dedicated session with human rights defenders from the region, we regret the loss of such a critical space for exchange, visibility and engagement. RightsCon has long provided an essential multi-stakeholder platform for human rights defenders to share expertise, engage with key actors, build and strengthen solidarity networks and shape global discussions on digital rights and civic space. Its last minute cancellation by Zambian authorities represents a significant missed opportunity, particularly for defenders whose access to international forums is already constrained and shrinking.

According to information publicly shared by Access Now, the decision appears to have been influenced by external pressure, including from authorities of the Peoples Republic of China on the Government of Zambia as well as requests to moderate specific topics and exclude certain communities at risk, including Taiwanese participants, from participation. If confirmed, such interference raises serious concerns around the ability of defenders to engage freely and safely in international forums. We are further troubled by the implications this carries for the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association and expression in Zambia.

At a time when human rights defenders are facing heightened risks globally, it is imperative that spaces for inclusive, safe and meaningful discussion and participation are protected. States must refrain from restricting civic space, including the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, and expression. States should also actively promote and safeguard spaces for civil society, rather than impose restrictions on them. Front Line Defenders stands firmly in support of human rights defenders in Zambia and around the world, and remains committed to supporting defenders’ access to such platforms and to ensuring their voices are not excluded from the international conversations that directly impact their work and security.