Global Rights Event Scrapped in Zambia Amid Sudden Government Decision

The RightsCon 2026 conference scheduled in Lusaka was abruptly cancelled by Zambian authorities days before the event amid concerns over participant inclusion and alleged foreign/diplomatic pressure, leaving thousands affected; organisers cited a breakdown in communication, lack of clear justification, and interference that crossed their operational red lines, and affirmed plans to regroup while highlighting broader threats to civic space and transnational repression of civil society.