Human Rights Watch (HRW) and 16 other international organizations have called on the European Union (EU) to confront Azerbaijan’s government over its ongoing human rights violations during the COP29 climate conference, set to take place later this year.
The advocacy groups highlighted a worsening human rights situation in Azerbaijan, where political dissidents, journalists, and civil society leaders continue to face harassment, imprisonment, and suppression. The groups pointed to a series of crackdowns on freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the targeting of activists who have spoken out against government policies.
The call comes at a critical time, as Azerbaijan has increasingly relied on its energy exports to the EU, particularly natural gas, in light of the war in Ukraine. The EU has strengthened its diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan in recent years, but critics argue this partnership should not come at the cost of human rights.
The signatories of the letter, which includes a mix of international NGOs, human rights advocates, and climate groups, argue that the EU must press Azerbaijan to respect the rights of its citizens, particularly in the run-up to the high-profile COP29 conference.
Azerbaijan’s government has long defended its record, asserting that it is committed to development and stability. However, international watchdogs have documented numerous cases of arbitrary detention and restrictions on freedom of expression.
As world leaders and climate advocates gather in Baku for COP29, the international community will be watching closely to see if the EU takes a firm stand on both climate change and the human rights violations that have plagued Azerbaijan in recent years.
