China's Pressure Cancels Rights Conference in Zambia

RightsCon, a major digital rights conference, was canceled in Lusaka, Zambia, following alleged pressure from the Chinese government. Access Now, the organizing nonprofit, stated that Chinese diplomats influenced the Zambian government due to the planned in-person participation of Taiwanese civil society members. The conference, scheduled for May 2026, featured discussions on China's international influence, digital authoritarianism, and disinformation.

Zambia's government postponed RightsCon indefinitely just days before it was to begin, citing the need for "comprehensive disclosure of critical information" and "pending administrative and security clearances." Access Now indicated that they were informed "informally from multiple sources" that China's foreign interference was a factor in the disruption. The organization alerted Taiwanese participants about potential travel issues to Zambia.

Open Culture Foundation, a Taiwanese nonprofit, confirmed being warned by Access Now about possible entry problems for Taiwanese citizens due to concerns from the Chinese Embassy. RightsCon director Nikki Gladstone confirmed the organization advised registered Taiwanese participants to pause travel plans until more clarity was available. Another human rights organization employee corroborated that the Chinese government had been pressuring Zambia over the Taiwanese delegation's presence.