In February 2025, I had the opportunity to attend and present at RightsCon in Taipei, Taiwan. This is the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age. The event brought together activists from all over the world. This event is a free space to discuss digital security, privacy, and free expression online.
As Senior Digital Media Coordinator at New Tactics in Human Rights, I shared our methodology and the Tactical Mapping Tool (TMT). These tools help activists build their strategic and tactical skills. These tools help activists analyze power structures, plan campaigns, and track progress. New Tactics is a program of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT). I was able to share insights on how CVT has a role in supporting human rights worldwide.
Presenting the Tactical Mapping Tool
During the conference, I had the opportunity to lead an online session on the Tactical Mapping Tool (TMT). In this session, I demonstrated how human rights defenders can use TMT to:
- Develop a problem and vision statement to identify the human rights violations and define the campaign’s goals.
- Map key relationships to identify allies and opponents.
- Design strategies to advance advocacy goals,
- Identify key targets and select the most effective tactics to mobilize them.
- Securely track and document campaign progress to refine strategies and measure impact.
RightsCon: A Global Platform for Digital Rights
RightsCon is more than a conference. It is a global hub for digital rights advocacy. Over 37,000 participants have attended in the past 12 years. This makes it the largest event of its kind.
The 2025 RightsCon 13th edition sessions covered topics important to all activists. These discussions provided practical tools for activists.
- Digital Security: Protecting activists from surveillance and cyber threats.
- AI & Human Rights: Using AI to counter misinformation and improve transparency.
- Freedom of Expression: Fighting censorship and ensuring access to information.
New Tactics Booth: A Space for Learning & Connection
One of my highlights at RightsCon was hosting the New Tactics booth at the Community Village. This is where I met activists who came to visit me and learn about:
- CVT’s work supporting torture survivors. CVT understands the high costs of advocating for human rights. These costs can be to activists themselves, their families, and their communities.
- New Tactics programs, tools, and resources for human rights activists. We are proud to stand with and strengthen activists to do their work each day.
- New Tactics’ Strategic Effectiveness Method. Our methodology allows everyone to participate in strategic advocacy planning. Everyone has an essential role in carrying out strategic and innovative advocacy campaigns.
- The Tactical Mapping Tool (TMT). The tool, available in English and Arabic, is free online. It makes it possible to plan campaigns across different locations. It helps to track actions. It helps document advocacy efforts to make necessary changes and celebrate successes.
Our booth at RightsCon allowed me to get in touch with activists, journalists, and tech experts. We had great discussions on the challenges we face. I was able to share ways that the New Tactics’ tools can help!
Why Was RightsCon 2025 a Unique Experience?
RightsCon was a powerful space for networking, learning, and innovation. For me personally, beyond the great experience of being in Taipei, RightsCon:
- Strengthened my connections, expanding my networks and future collaborations.
- Expanded my knowledge of digital rights by learning new strategies, and
- Made it possible for me to introduce New Tactics tools to a global audience.
I want to share more about each of these key takeaways:
Expanding Networks and Collaboration:
Attending RightsCon expanded my perspective on global human rights issues. This allowed me to connect with activists and organizations from very diverse backgrounds. This experience has helped me to identify areas that can lead to future collaborations. I was able to connect and explore collaborations with experts from SMEX, Meedan, EQualitie, ARTICLE 19, HRMI, and ARIJ.
Learning New Strategies:
- I attended a wide range of sessions offered at RightsCon. These sessions provided valuable insights into:
- Enhancing digital security
- Countering misinformation,
- How AI can be used to detect false narratives, and
- Ways to strengthen advocacy efforts.
Introducing New Tactics to a Global Audience:
I felt like RightsCon is a free space to reach a global audience. without any borders, I shared the vision of the CVT and the New Tactics Program through our booth and the online session. Activists, Human Rights defenders, and journalists visited the booth to learn about the New Tactics method and tools. From that spot, I provided them with all the information they were looking for. I used this opportunity to emphasize their roles in advancing human rights advocacy worldwide. It was that moment when I felt like I was connected to human rights.
Looking Ahead: RightsCon 2026 in Africa
RightsCon 2025 was an eye-opening experience. It brought together a global community committed to digital rights. I look forward to RightsCon 2026 in Africa. I recommend this amazing experience. This will continue to expand our impact. It will help us build stronger partnerships. At the core, these kinds of global experiences are important and worthwhile. They help us gain tools and ideas to address our local, regional, and international human rights challenges.
