Rights groups are raising alarms about the Azerbaijani government's crackdown on climate activists in connection to COP29, arguing that civil society is being silenced, raising questions about the integrity of the climate conference.
Azerbaijan Faces Backlash Over Human Rights Abuses During COP29
Azerbaijan Faces Backlash Over Human Rights Abuses During COP29
Accusations against Azerbaijan for detaining climate defenders cast a shadow over COP29 as protests against the government's treatment of activists escalate.
As COP29 unfolds in Azerbaijan, the spotlight has turned to the country's troubling human rights record, with numerous reports suggesting that authorities are actively detaining climate defenders and political opponents. Gubad Ibadoglu, a prominent professor from the London School of Economics, has been held for nearly 18 months under dubious fraud charges, a situation criticized by human rights organizations. Activists warn that Azerbaijan is using the climate conference as a facade to suppress dissent and silence critical voices.
Human rights groups assert that Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 mirrors a distressing pattern in which countries reportedly engage in oppression during their tenure as climate summit hosts. The Climate Action Network, representing around 2,000 climate groups, emphasized that safeguarding civil society's ability to operate is vital to achieving meaningful progress on climate issues.
Natalia Nozadze of Amnesty International pointed out that since Azerbaijan was named as the host in November last year, there has been a significant uptick in arrests of individuals perceived as opposing the government. With an alarming rise in the number of political prisoners—now exceeding 300—many, including environmental activists, have faced severe repression, further complicating the atmosphere surrounding the conference.
Conversely, the Azerbaijani government has dismissed these claims, asserting that it does not detain political prisoners. While world leaders convene in Baku to address climate change, critics have called for transparency regarding host country selection processes, particularly following years of extensive human rights violations by previous hosts, such as Egypt and the UAE.
Prominent individuals like Anar Mammadli, arrested shortly after advocating for climate alignment with the Paris Agreement, highlight the uphill battle activists face in Azerbaijan. Moreover, Nazim Beydemirli’s harsh sentencing for protesting against mining practices exemplifies the government's dark approach to dissent.
As the conference progresses, Azerbaijan's plans to expand oil and gas production—contrary to global calls for transition away from fossil fuels—signal a stark reality of the government's priorities, which critics argue align with President Ilham Aliyev's desire to “greenwash” his image on the global stage.
Elchin Amirbayov, the President's Special Envoy, has refuted allegations against the government's treatment of civil society, stating that efforts to include state and non-state actors in the global dialogue remain a priority. However, questions about the effectiveness of UN protocols to ensure host country compliance with human rights standards continue to linger.
Civil society's role has proved instrumental in advancing the climate agenda, with calls to ensure that future host agreements include protective measures for human rights. Recent opinions voiced by members of the European Parliament, condemning Azerbaijan’s treatment of activists, indicate a growing concern over the balance between climate action and human rights protection.
While the international community engages in discussions at COP29, figures like Emin Huseynov stress the need for continued pressure on authoritarian regimes that violate fundamental rights, asserting that effective climate action is inextricably linked to the freedoms of civil society. The narrative surrounding COP29 is therefore not just about climate policy, but also about the principles of justice and accountability that underpin all efforts to address the climate crisis.
In the meantime, as world leaders convene and dialogues proceed, the plight of activists like Gubad Ibadoglu serves as a poignant reminder of the serious human cost of environmental advocacy in oppressive contexts.
