Staying safe, secure, and healthy at RightsCon 2026

April 24, 2026 • Event info • 6 min read

Introduction

The 14th edition of RightsCon is less than two weeks away (Tuesday, May 5 to Friday, May 8) and we would like to share an update on our core policies, principles, policies, and processes that help keep the summit a safe, productive, and inclusive space for the community.

As with past editions, our Code of Conduct and Participation & Privacy Policy (recently updated, read more below) remain in place, and by registering, all participants agree to read through and abide by these policies. For more information on our safety and security planning, including our venue, please visit our Participant Guide.

Our commitment to safety at RightsCon

Over the past 15 years, RightsCon has grown from a gathering of 400 participants in Silicon Valley to a global community of more than 10,000 members working at the intersection of human rights and technology. Our participants come from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and regions, and we are incredibly proud of this growth. However, the expansion of RightsCon combined with our model of changing location each year means we have more risks than before, and often they are different each year.

In preparation for our 2026 summit, our team has conducted a thorough assessment of potential threats, considering factors such as venue security, regional and global geopolitical challenges, and the possible presence of malicious actors. We acknowledge that participants, session organizers, and staff may be exposed to various risks, and we are committed to doing what we can to prevent and mitigate them.

We remain firm in our mission to encourage dialogue and debate across diverse perspectives while ensuring that all members of our community can participate without fear of harassment or harm. Our approach prioritizes the safety of all participants, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable or at risk.

We know that no single security measure can guarantee safety, and plans are infallible. However, we recognize our role in equipping the RightsCon community with accessible tools, policies, and information  to help make informed participation decisions and to create a safer and productive experience of the summit. The policies outlined below are part of our ongoing commitment to protect our space and our community members within it.

Our approach to safety and security for RightsCon 2026

RightsCon safety policies and processes are developed by our internal Safety Working Group (SWG), with leads from Access Now’s Code of Conduct, Security, and RightsCon teams. The SWG conducts risk assessments, provides internal and external guidance, conducts scenario planning, engages the community, tests plans with stakeholders and experts, and reviews all reported incidents to better support the community. We work closely with internal stakeholders across our Legal, Communications, and Advocacy teams with the goal of creating a deeper, cross-functional, and holistic approach to assessing and supporting the community.

This year, we’ve expanded the SWG to include an external Advisory Committee to inform and support our approach to LGBTQ+ safety and accessibility. If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and are attending RightsCon in-person, please reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.

Our policies

An update to our Participation & Privacy policy

While RightsCon is open by design, at times we have to make difficult decisions to revoke access. We take the action of revoking participation very seriously and have improved our process for reviewing internal or external concerns, complaints, or questions about participants. This process includes eight steps to facilitate principled and consistent decision-making, including consulting with relevant stakeholders and conducting an assessment with clear criteria. We’ve updated our policy to reflect these changes and welcome any questions participants may have about how we make these decisions.

Photo, video, and recording

This year, we have expanded our photo, video and recording policy to increase participants’ privacy and will communicate the following guidelines:

• No photos or videos are permitted within the two buildings we utilize at the venue complex 
• As with previous years, participants can wear a red lanyard to indicate they do not wish to be photographed, even outside the buildings
• An official RightsCon photographer, who will be clearly identified, will have access to all spaces of the venue and will also abide by the red lanyard policy. 

Health measures 

We recognize that the health and wellbeing of our community are part of our responsibility as conveners. For RightsCon 2026, we are committed to the following measures:

• Face masks will be prominently displayed and available at badge pick-up and the info desk and their use will be strongly encouraged.
• Regular reminders will be sent to participants to not attend sessions if they are sick or symptomatic.
• If participants feel sick, they can visit our onsite medical room at the Kenneth Kaunda building.
• The venue will implement regular sanitation and disinfection practices. 

Media engagement 

For RightsCon 2026, we’re building on our approach to media management and improving our guidelines for media coverage. 

• Media requests undergo a stringent vetting process.

• Press badges will only be issued to pre-registered media members. 
• Media members will wear designated yellow lanyards, and can only approach participants wearing blue lanyards.
• A dedicated media room will be available for media to work, engage with participants, and network.
• Sessions where media are restricted will be indicated in the program schedule and on a sign at the door.

Technical measures 

We’ve partnered with a local internet provider to improve Wi-Fi capacity and enhance network protection and monitoring. Additional security measures have also been implemented on our Summit Platform with our partner, TechChange.

Psychosocial support 

We will continue to provide psychosocial support to participants during the summit days. In-person one-on-one support will be available at the venue, as well as online support.  As with last year’s summit and based on our   Community Consultations we’re happy to continue offering online one-on-one support for participants and have also secured in-person support. If any one needs support during the event they can visit the X zone. 

Community spaces and other support

• All of our community support spaces will be located on the second floor of the Kenneth Kaunda building in a designated quiet area.
• To support participant well-being, we will have designated rooms for high-sensory and low-sensory rest areas.
• Meeting and convening spaces for those impacted by war and conflict will be created in consultation with affected community members. 

A note about the venue

RightsCon is being hosted at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in the center of Lusaka. This modern venue is very familiar with hosting major international conferences such as RightsCon. The venue includes three buildings set within gardens and surrounded by a perimeter fence (it’s even home to two Zebras!). Participants should be aware that its newest wing was funded and constructed by the People’s Republic of China which, while very common in parts of Africa, may represent a concern for some, and may influence desired individual safety or security measures. 

Contact us

While we hope you have a safe and successful RightsCon, we recognize that there’s always more we can do. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or issues you would like to raise with the RightsCon and/or Security Working Group, you can reach us at [email protected].

During the summit, you can also reach our Help Desks for assistance:

• In-person Info Desk (located inside the entrance on the ground floor of the Kenneth Kaunda building): Open during in-person programming hours, between 9:30am – 5:30pm, from Tuesday, May 5 to Friday, May 8.
• Online Help Desk: Open 24/7 through the RightsCon Summit Platform or at [email protected].
  

If you’re joining us in-person in Lusaka, save the following local emergency numbers:

• General Emergency: 999
• Police: 991
• Ambulance: 992 (or 991)
• Fire Brigade: 993

Nearest hospital: Medland Health Services & Hospital, Plot 9 Medland Road, Lusaka 10101, Zambia, Phone: +260 76 1101600

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