A Call to Action for Global Solidarity on Press Freedom and Environmental Justice at Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum

On July 29, 2024 in Bonn, Germany, at the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum, Azerbaijani journalist and human rights advocate, Emin Huseynov, delivered a powerful message, shedding light on the distressing conditions faced by media professionals in his home country. Interviewed by Sandra Prüfer, Bonn-based freelance journalist and researcher, Huseynov addressed the troubling state of media freedom as the ongoing repression of journalists as well as the environmental issues in Azerbaijan.

"I am here to speak for my colleagues who have been imprisoned for exposing corruption and environmental disasters caused by our oil and gas industry over the past 30 years," Huseynov stated. His participation underscores a critical mission: to raise awareness and seek solidarity within the global media community.

Despite the Azerbaijani government’s claim to foster a welcoming environment for NGOs, civil society, and media during the upcoming COP 29 climate talks, EminHuseynov explained that many of his colleagues were jailed when Azerbaijan secured the host country status for COP29, highlighting the ongoing threats to civil society and the media, which contradict the government’s public assurances of freedom and transparency.

With over 15,000 observers expected to attend COP29 in Baku this November, Huseynov highlighted the risks facing both local and international journalists and activists. "It's impossible to get equal opportunities in a country where the regime suppresses its own civil society and media."

The interview also touched on the importance of global solidarity among journalists. He warned that foreign journalists and civil society members attending the conference might also face risks, given the current political climate in Azerbaijan. Huseynov emphasized that without strong international support, it is nearly impossible to secure the release of imprisoned journalists in Azerbaijan. He called on media professionals worldwide to attend the COP 29 in Baku and to remain alert and outspoken about the human rights abuses occurring in Azerbaijan.

Full Video Available At: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkRJeRm9o1A&t=1393s