Raising the Alarm: Azerbaijan's Crackdown on Civil Society Before COP29

The Climate Observer Partnership spotlighted Azerbaijan’s worsening democracy and human rights situation at a side event during the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, organized by the 2024 OSCE Chairpersonship of Malta and ODIHR. Speakers Emin Huseynov and Diana Nazarets, moderated by Sofia Kerizoma, discussed the repression of civil society, journalists, and activists ahead of COP29 in Baku.

The Partnership was formed in response to a surge in political prisoners, driven by the arrest of Anar Mammadli, founder of the COP29 Amendment of Justice Initiative. His detention highlighted the need to raise awareness about Azerbaijan's human rights issues ahead of COP29. The group's goals include media freedom, supporting environmental activism, and pressuring international institutions to address the country's civil rights abuses.

The Partnership called for immediate actions, including a petition demanding the release of political prisoners and protection of civil freedoms. They emphasized the importance of raising these issues at COP29 to ensure a fair discussion on climate without government restrictions.

Record numbers of political prisoners and repression continue, exacerbated by travel bans and border closures under the pretext of COVID-19. Exiled activists, such as Vidadi Iskenderli, face life-threatening risks abroad, while figures like disabled activist Famil Khalilov endure harsh conditions in jail.

Azerbaijan’s judiciary lacks independence, with courts and parliament under presidential control, as shown by the flawed September elections. Despite international criticism, the Aliyev government is using COP29 to bolster its legitimacy.

The Partnership urged democratic leaders attending COP29 to advocate for the release of at least one prisoner of conscience, warning that silent diplomacy will not bring change. They called for international solidarity to raise awareness and pressure the government to respect civil rights during the conference.