Climate Observers Partnership condemns the Government of Azerbaijan for Violating Human Rights and Disrespecting Women's Rights
Nov 18
3 min read
Today, November 18, marks Gender Justice Day at COP29, a moment meant to highlight support to the rights and dignity of women around the world. It is also a somber moment for us to remind us of the persistent and systematic oppression faced by women in Azerbaijan. November 18, 2024 marks the 17th anniversary of the tragic death of Azerbaijan’s first female political prisoner, Ms. Faina Kungurova, former member of the opposition Democratic Party of Azerbaijan.
Ms. Kungurova was unjustly arrested on October 5, 2007, during a peaceful protest on fabricated charges of drug possession. She was sentenced to three months of imprisonment during which she bravely initiated a hunger strike that tragically led to her death in prison. On this day, let us remember her relentless pursuit for justice and democracy.
Seventeen years later, the Azerbaijani government continues to exhibit the same egregious disregard for women’s rights and human dignity. Today, we raise our voices to condemn the brutal treatment inflicted on three courageous female journalists —Sevinj Vagifqizi, Elnara Gasimova, and Nargiz Absalamova— who have faced violence and degrading conditions in a detention center. Reports from inside Baku prisons detail inhumane tactics reminiscent of dark historical practices. Prison authorities have reportedly sealed windows in small cells, depriving detainees of breathable air. When these women sought basic relief and demanded to end the torment, they were subjected to further abuse by prison officials.
These are not isolated case, women in Azerbaijan are especially vulnerable under an authoritarian regime that systematically targets female voices of dissent. They embody a threat to a regime that fears their courage and commitment to justice. Gender-based violence and repression are commonly used to intimidate and silence women who dare to speak up, making them susceptible to severe forms of abuse and neglect in detention. These women risk not only their freedom but also their physical and psychological well-being.
However, in such hostile conditions, immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further harm and ensure their safety.
These injustices are currently occurring and prove to be a stark contrast to President Aliyev’s opening remarks at COP29, where he attacked civil society for exposing rampant human rights violations in Azerbaijan. Despite his rhetoric, the government's actions make clear their intent to demonstrate superiority and impunity through relentless oppression. If we do not stop this government’s impunity now, we may face even more irreplaceable losses among the bravest and most outspoken defenders of truth and justice – among them women! The lives of these courageous women and many other activists are at stake, and the consequences of inaction will be devastating.
Family members and legal representatives of the detained journalists have shared grave concerns that the women are contemplating a hunger strike to protest the baseless investigations and ongoing violence they are enduring. We are deeply alarmed by these developments.
We call on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately:
end this horrific treatment, release the unjustly detained journalists, and cease the harassment of civil society.
We also appeal to international human rights bodies, governments, and organizations to:
intervene swiftly, provide urgent protection, and stand in solidarity with these brave women.
We urge global leaders and advocates to sign the petition in support of Azerbaijani civil society and amplify their demands for justice.
PETITION: https://www.cop29.host/petition
Photo credits: @UlviyyaAli on X
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