In a new statement, the New York City Bar Association expressed grave concern and disappointment at the Zambian government’s decision to postpone and effectively cancel RightsCon 2026, a leading global forum on digital rights and technology policy, mere days before the event was scheduled to begin in Lusaka, Zambia. Summary On April 28, 2026, the Zambian Ministry of Technology and Science announced a last-minute “postponement” of the summit, which is hosted annually by the global digital rights organization Access Now. A clarifying statement issued on Facebook on April 29 cited concerns about undisclosed “critical information related to key thematic issues proposed... read more
Post tagged in "human rights law"
City Bar Statement on the Cancellation of RightsCon 2026 by the Zambian Government
Posted on May 5, 2026
Declaración del Colegio de Abogados que expresa preocupación por el desmantelamiento presupuestario y operativo del Poder Judicial en Costa Rica
Posted on August 11, 2026Also available in English En un nuevo comunicado, el Colegio de Abogados de la Ciudad de Nueva York expresó su preocupación por el reciente y alarmante recorte presupuestario de más de US $59 millones impuesto por el Poder Ejecutivo de Costa Rica al Poder Judicial. También alertó sobre las vacantes persistentes en la Sala Constitucional de la Corte Suprema de Justicia de Costa Rica, donde la falta de nombramiento de magistrados suplentes por parte del gobierno ha dejado a la Sala sin la posibilidad de alcanzar el quórum requerido para resolver casos cuando los magistrados titulares se inhiben. El Colegio de... read more
Statement of Concern Regarding the Enactment of the Protection of Sovereignty Act in Uganda
Posted on June 12, 2026In a new statement, the New York City Bar Association expressed alarm about the recent passing into law of the Protection of Sovereignty Act (PSA) in Uganda. The City Bar contends that the law raises grave risks to the fundamental freedoms of association, expression, and public participation protected under regional and international human rights standards. The law’s provisions could be used to stigmatize civil society and risk criminalizing and limiting legitimate civic, development, humanitarian, or rule of law support activities in an environment of increasing restrictions on civic space, as documented by international observers. The City Bar reaffirms its solidarity... read more
City Bar Statement on Targeting of CSOs and Rising Restrictions on Civic Space Amidst Uganda’s General Elections
Posted on February 2, 2026In a new statement, the New York City Bar Association expressed deep concern at the escalation in the targeting of civil society organizations (CSOs) and restriction of civic space around recent presidential elections in Uganda These actions include arbitrary suspension of Civil Society Organizations, an unlawful nationwide internet shutdown, and other actions that undermine civic participation and violate Uganda’s obligations under international and regional human rights law. The City Bar calls on Uganda’s government to take immediate action to overturn the suspension order and review the regulatory powers to enact such suspensions, protect fundamental rights for all Ugandans, and permit... read more