Just days before it was due to begin in Lusaka and online, RightsCon 2026 was called off after Zambian authorities moved to “postpone” the conference, with officials citing the need for alignment with “national values,” policy priorities, and public interest considerations. RightsCon organizers later confirmed that the event would not proceed in Zambia or online and advised registered participants not to travel. We at Manushya Foundation are angered by this cancellation. For