Digital Rights Campaigners Request Zambia Clarification Over Summit Cancellation

By Jean-Pierre A.

Following the recent cancellation of RightsCon, a global digital rights summit that was slated for 5–8 May, the Campaign for Hong Kong, a movement that advocates for a democratic Hong Kong, has written a letter to Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science requesting urgent clarification.

“I write regarding the Government of Zambia’s recent decision to halt the RightsCon 2026 Summit, which was scheduled to take place in Lusaka,” read the letter that was seen by PAV

“As you are aware, RightsCon is widely recognized as the world’s leading global convening on human rights in the digital age,” said Samuel Chu of The Campaign for Hong Kong.

Chu, further stated in the letter, that the Government’s public statements describing this decision as a “postponement,” citing the need for “alignment with national values,” “security and administrative clearances,” and “further consultations,” do not provide sufficient clarity—particularly given the timing of the decision, which came only days before the Summit was set to begin.

“The subsequent confirmation from the organizers that the event will not proceed in Zambia or online raises further concerns. The gap between the Government’s characterization and the practical outcome warrants explanation,” read the letter requesting clarification.

Several human rights defenders and global civil rights organizations, have condemned the RightsCon cancellation.

“We condemn the Zambian government’s actions that led to the abrupt cancellation of #RightsCon. @Amnesty has joined 132 other organizations in denouncing the government’s last-minute decision to postpone the conference at the eleventh hour,” posted Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy & Campaigns at Amnesty International.

The Campaign for Hong Kong stated in its letter that this decision [RightsCon cancellation] has already had tangible consequences. Participants from around the world—including many who had finalized travel, secured visas, and prepared substantive contributions—have been directly affected. More broadly, it sends a troubling signal about the conditions under which global convenings on human rights and digital governance can take place.

Chu, further sought specific clarification, saying that, given Zambia’s stated commitment to dialogue, international cooperation, and digital development, “I respectfully request that your Ministry provide:

1. A clear and specific account of the “security and administrative” concerns referenced in the official statement;
2. The precise issues that required “alignment with national values,” and how these concerns arose at such a late stage;
3. An explanation for the discrepancy between the Government’s framing of a “postponement” and the reality that the Summit will not proceed at all;
4. A concrete timeline and conditions, if any, under which the Government would be prepared to host such a convening in the future; and
5. Clarification as to whether any external governments or entities played a role in influencing this decision, including whether there was any direct or indirect pressure from the government of the People’s Republic of China. If so, the public deserves to understand the nature of that influence; if not, a clear and unequivocal denial would help address growing concern.”

Meanwhile, a coalition of 132 digital rights stakeholders has endorsed a statement condemning the Government of Zambia’s abrupt “disruption” of RightsCon.