One Month to COP29: The Precarious Situation for Journalists and Civil Society

With just one month remaining before the COP29 climate conference is set to take place in Azerbaijan, concerns about the safety and freedom of journalists, activists, and civil society representatives are intensifying. The Climate Observer Partnership has been at the forefront of highlighting these risks during the ongoing 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC).

The Climate Observer Partnership, in collaboration with several international human rights organizations, has organized multiple side events during the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, to raise awareness of the precarious situation faced by journalists in Azerbaijan. These events have featured testimonies from journalists who have been threatened, silenced, or arbitrary incarcerated in the country, where freedom of speech remains severely restricted. They have also spotlighted broader concerns about the Azerbaijani government’s human rights record, especially its harsh treatment of civil society activists. The most recent example of this brutal pattern of violence against opposition figures is the assassination of Vidadi Isgandarli, an Azerbaijani in exile well-known for his criticism of the government.

During these side events, Climate Observer Partnership members issued urgent calls for the international community to act decisively and coherently to protect fundamental freedoms, human rights and the safety of those working to hold governments accountable. Emin Huseynov, journalist and founder of the Climate Observers Partnership, stated: “As we approach COP29, a crucial moment for global climate action, it is imperative that we emphasize the need for a rights-based approach. Protecting human rights and ensuring democratic processes are essential for building inclusive and equitable responses to climate challenges, fostering public trust and engagement”.

Climate Observer Partnership has highlighted that despite hosting an international event focused on global cooperationAzerbaijan’s credibility is under severe strain. Its dependency on fossil fuels, which significantly shapes its political and economic landscape, has raised concerns about its commitment to addressing climate change, a core focus of COP29. Moreover, the suppression of independent voices within the country undermines the democratic and inclusive dialogue needed to tackle the climate crisis.

As preparations continue for COP29, ambiguity remains about whether civil society groups, especially those advocating for environmental and human rights issues, will be allowed to participate freely and without fear of retaliation. The Azerbaijani government’s track record of curtailing freedom of expression casts a shadow over the transparency and inclusiveness of the event. Activists and organizations from around the world are calling on the international community to take immediate action to protect civil society voices during COP29, and that Azerbaijan upholds its international commitments.

In its statements, Climate Observer Partnership members havemade several key recommendations to the international community:

1. Release all political prisoners and activists arbitrarily detained in connection with the Azerbaijani government.

2. Demand guarantees for press freedom during COP29: All journalists, including international reporters covering the event, must be allowed to work without interference or intimidation.

3. Protect civil society actors: International institutions must advocate for the safety and unrestricted participation of human rights defenders and environmental activists at COP29.

4. Ensure accountability for host countries: Azerbaijan must be held accountable for its human rights record and must demonstrate credible efforts to address its dependency on fossil fuels, aligning itself with the global climate agenda.

The Climate Observer Partnership will continue to push for the protection of journalists and civil society in the lead-up to COP29 and beyond. As a crucial global summit approaches, IRFS calls on the international community to ensure that freedom of speech is upheld and that Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 aligns with the principles of transparency, democracy, and climate justice. We invite you to sign our petition to support us further in this approach: insert link

For more information, please contact: Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS)

info@irfs.org