A statement about why RightsCon 2026 will not take place in Zambia ---- - 11 minutes ago | 4 points | 0 comments - URL: https://www.rightscon.org/rc26-statement/ - Discussions: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47978386 - Summary: Access Now announced the cancellation of RightsCon 2026 in Zambia just days before the summit was to convene over 2,600 participants. The organization attributes the cancellation to foreign interference, specifically diplomatic pressure from the People's Republic of China regarding the participation of Taiwanese civil society members. Following extensive planning and signed agreements with Zambian ministries, organizers received urgent indications on April 27 that PRC diplomats objected to Taiwanese attendees. On April 28, state media announced a "postponement" without prior consultation. Access Now subsequently received informal demands to censor discussion topics and exclude Taiwanese participants from both physical and virtual attendance. The organization refused these conditions as unacceptable violations of their principles. They characterize the government's unilateral action—executed without formal notice or good-faith communication—as evidence of transnational repression targeting civil society, violating fundamental freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. While expressing disappointment for regional partners, Access Now reaffirmed its commitment to the digital rights movement and indicated it will reconvene the community at a time and location determined through future consultation.