Freedom Online Coalition says RightsCon cancellation weakens digital rights civic space

The Freedom Online Coalition has expressed concern over the cancellation of RightsCon 2026, which had been scheduled to take place in Lusaka from 5 to 8 May.

In a statement issued by Switzerland as chair of the coalition, the FOC described RightsCon as one of the main international spaces where civil society groups, technologists, researchers, and policymakers meet to discuss digital rights and internet governance issues.

Particular attention was given to the location of this year’s event. The conference would have marked the first RightsCon hosted in Southern Africa. According to the statement, this created an opportunity to increase visibility for African digital rights perspectives and strengthen regional participation in global governance discussions.

The coalition also highlighted the practical consequences of the cancellation. Many organisations and individuals had already committed travel funds and logistical resources at a time when civil society funding remains under pressure globally.

The statement links the cancellation to wider concerns about shrinking civic space and increasing pressure on independent voices. It argues that multistakeholder forums remain necessary for discussing issues related to digital governance, rights, and internet freedom.

Following the cancellation, the Freedom Online Coalition confirmed that its Strategy and Coordination Meeting, initially planned as a hybrid event alongside RightsCon, would instead take place fully online.