Access Now cancels RightsCon after Zambia postpones digital human rights conference
Updated
Updated · 404 Media · Apr 29
Access Now cancels RightsCon after Zambia postpones digital human rights conference
5 articles · Updated · 404 Media · Apr 29
Access Now announced that RightsCon will not proceed in Lusaka or online, urging registered participants not to travel to Zambia.
The cancellation follows Zambia's last-minute postponement, citing unresolved administrative and security clearances for certain speakers and participants.
Thousands of researchers, academics, and human rights experts were set to attend, and the abrupt decision has caused confusion and disruption within the global digital rights community.
Was RightsCon's cancellation a security issue or a move to silence dissent before Zambia's election?
What does this last-minute cancellation signal for future human rights gatherings globally?
Will Zambia's new cyber laws now be used against the local organizers of RightsCon?
What financial and logistical recourse do the thousands of registered attendees now have?
How does this affect Zambia's credibility as it hosts World Press Freedom Day next week?