At a conference hosted by the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) on September 12, 2024, in parallel with the Human Rights Council, NGO representatives and human rights activists gathered to discuss arbitrary detention in the context of COPs. The participants highlighted the growing media and political repression in countries like Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and especially Azerbaijan, as it relates to recent and upcoming COP29 events.
Emin Huseynov, a journalist in exile and human rights defender from Azerbaijan, lead of Climate Observers Partnership, called attention to the political and arbitrary detentions of activists and whistleblowers, many of whom are on hunger strikes protesting the government’s lack of accountability. Among them is Fazil Gasimov, a doctoral student at the University of Istanbul and an economist, who is on his 91st day of hunger strike to denounce his detention, which he claims is illegal. Fazil told his brother, Nazim Gasimov, that he would “either be released or starve to death”. Huseynov emphasized that the Azerbaijani government's systematic repression threatens to overshadow COP29, and that it bears full responsibility for the wellbeing of the detainees. Furthermore, he condemned its refusal to show leniency towards peaceful protesters.
“In Azerbaijan, the total number of political prisoners has increased in regard to the upcoming COP29. More than 300 people have faced the repression of the State, particularly whistleblowers, political activists, journalists, and civil society organisations.” - Emin Huseynov
Khalid Ibrahim, CEO of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights, highlighted the repression by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates during the two previous COPs. He went on to explain that in an open letter to the secretariat for the UNFCCC, several NGOs such as FIDH and OMCT demanded that the host agreements of future COPs be made public, and that these states respect International Human Rights Law, notably the protection of the right of expression and assembly.
“The next countries who are hosting the COP should comply with International Human Rights Law”. -Khalid Ibrahim
Florian Irminger from Progress and Change Action Lab, highlighted the “Anar Mammadli Campaign”, named after an Azerbaijani defender of human rights and democracy, founder of the Climate Justice Initiative and a political prisoner. This campaign aims to raise awareness of political prisoners in Azerbaijan and the political and media repression in the country. Mr. Irminger has formulated two clear demands to the Azerbaijani government: 1. the release of political prisoners 2. the modification of laws preventing freedom of expression for human rights defenders and journalists.
Yves Lador, Earthjustice representative to the UN in Geneva, underlined the growing concern over the increasing restrictions on Civil Society Organizations at recent COP conferences regarding their credibility and seriousness. In contrast to the openness seen in Copenhagen, participants have faced arbitrary detention, arrests in their hotel rooms, and restricted access to key discussions, notably at the COP26 in Glasgow. He insisted on the fact that a new reality is impacting the caliber of attendees and the seriousness of discussions.
“What can be the credibility of a COP when the COP itself is impacted by the repression of free speech, media coverage and the arbitrary detention of its participants ?” -Yves Lador
Diana Nazarets, a human rights defender, emphasized on the need to take action from Geneva, particularly through the COP29 Campaign whose purpose is to raise awareness on issues such as media freedom and protection of activists. It notably urges the liberation of all prisoners, and has its own petition.
The panelists agreed that boycotting COP29 would be counterproductive, as the climate crisis demands urgent attention. However, they stressed the need to raise awareness about the human rights abuses in Azerbaijan and called for the release of all detained journalists and activists.
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