Violation of freedom of expression and opinion ahead of COP29 - Side event in UN during the Human Rights Council 56th Session

The event shed light on the alarming restrictions on freedom of expression and opinion in Azerbaijan and discussed the implications for democratic governance and environmental activism in the context of COP29.

The side event addressed the broader implications of these arrests on freedom of expression and opinion in Azerbaijan, detailing how these actions are part of a systematic effort to stifle dissent and control information.

We connected the issue to COP29, exploring the chilling effect that such repression has on civic activism, including the ability of local and international activists to advocate for meaningful climate action.

Samad Rahimli addressed the audience on the general situation in the country and shed light on the story of Toplum TV – a local media outlet, that was closed in Azerbaijan in March 2024.

“Ongoing crackdown is a part of systematic repressions against independent media and NGOs”.

Anar Orujov shared story of his brother`s arrests, both in 2017 and 2024. He stressed that Kanal13 and its members have been facing government`s persecution for years. He shared a personal video of his brother`s arrest, highlighting that

“There is a real person behind every name on the list of imprisoned journalists in Azerbaijan”.

Diana Nazarets emphasized on the detention of Anar Mammadli and highlighted the obligation of Azerbaijan as an upcoming COP29 host country to uphold its international obligations in the field of human rights.

“There is no climate justice without human rights”.

Karyna Pavlova stressed that there are 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, with 30 journalists among them. She highlighted the cases of Famil Khalilov and Hafiz Babali – imprisoned activists with disabilities, suffering in detention due to the lack of medical care.

“Our colleagues are under constant pressure not to speak up".

Full Video Available At: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1D5oKW6nss&t=1344s