Freedom Now highlights human rights abuses in Azerbaijan ahead of COP 29

Human rights defenders in Azerbaijan continue to face severe challenges, as highlighted in a recent meeting of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. The discussion centered on the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, particularly following the COP 29 UN Climate Change Conference, which Azerbaijan hosted in late 2024.

Freedom Now, an organization dedicated to supporting human rights activists, reported that many Azerbaijani activists are too fearful to speak out publicly due to the risk of reprisals. Concerns were raised about the detention of journalists and civil society representatives, the closure of independent news organizations, and the inhumane conditions faced by detainees. Despite the international spotlight during COP 29, the Azerbaijani government did not take meaningful steps to address these human rights abuses.

The meeting emphasized that Azerbaijan's selection as a host for COP 29 was troubling, given its authoritarian regime and reliance on fossil fuels. Activists and policymakers had hoped that the global attention would prompt the government to comply with international human rights obligations. However, the outcome was disappointing, with no political prisoners released and further restrictions imposed on civil society participation during the conference.

The campaign "Demand Rights at COP" was launched by Freedom Now and 50 other organizations to raise awareness of these issues. While it succeeded in drawing attention to the plight of political prisoners, the Azerbaijani government’s response was to tighten its grip on dissent. Reports indicate that the number of political prisoners has risen significantly, with over 350 documented cases, many occurring after COP 29.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued international pressure on Azerbaijan to uphold human rights and to hold President Aliyev accountable for his government's actions. As the situation evolves, the need for vigilance and advocacy remains critical to support the rights of individuals in Azerbaijan.