Azerbaijan is gearing up to host the COP29 summit this November, with immense scrutiny placed on the nation due to its long-standing issues concerning human rights. The country, historically known for its poor record on freedom of speech and aggressive suppression of dissidents, finds itself under the international spotlight as leaders from nearly 200 countries and hundreds of journalists arrive for the event. Many observers worry about how this high-profile gathering will play out against the backdrop of systematic repression of critics, particularly those advocating for human rights and climate justice.
Since President Ilham Aliyev took office following his father's rule, Azerbaijan has seen tightening of control over independent voices. Human Rights Watch has noted the government’s recent efforts to escalate its crackdown on dissent, particularly prior to the climate summit. Activists and journalists are facing heightened risks, with reports indicating severe restrictions placed upon those striving to promote democracy and transparency.
The tensions have peaked as Azerbaijan approaches hosting COP29, which aims to address climate action and global collaboration. While the government promotes its involvement and goals set by the Paris Agreement, the juxtaposition of its actions raises eyebrows globally. For the government, Aliyev's administration appears to see the summit as not only a chance to engage with important global issues but also as an opportunity to polish its image on the international stage.
Aliyev's perspective on Azerbaijan’s wealth, derived largely from oil and gas, shines through in his public statements. He previously described the nation’s fossil fuel deposits as “a gift from God” at discussions with German officials, emphasizing the state’s commitment to these resources. Meanwhile, his stance suggests it’s fine for countries to prioritize fossil fuels for development and economic stability, contrasting deeply with climate goals.
Environmental advocates, such as Emin Huseynov, have not remained silent on what they see as hypocrisy. Huseynov, once pursued by authorities, now lives abroad and asserts the government's interest lies mostly on how to leverage this climate summit to divert attention from its dismal human rights record. He fears the summit could be used as window-dressing, distracting from the plight of many imprisoned activists and journalists who remain silenced.
Activists have raised alarms over the current environment of fear and repression, underscoring narratives of violently suppressed protests around climate advocacy. With COP29 approaching, these concerns have only amplified, leading many to question the legitimacy of Azerbaijan's role as host. Advocates warn it could prove dangerous to speak out during the conference, raising fears of possible retaliatory actions against those who may protest any governmental malfeasance.
Evidence of this crackdown reveals itself through recent arrests and detention of outspoken critics across various sectors. Reports feature numerous names of detainees, including journalists like Ulvi Hasanli and Vagifgizi, leaders of Abzas Media, who were taken after covering pressing local issues, including environmental degradation and corruption. They are facing serious accusations related to currency smuggling—a claim their supporters vehemently contest as merely contrived to silence them.
Shocking conditions described by relatives of the imprisoned journalists reveal the harsh realities of Azerbaijani prisons, where medical care is nonexistent, and basic needs are often unmet. There’s also the story of Mammadli, another prominent climate and rights advocate who was taken by masked men as he picked up his child from nursery, illustrating the risks facing activists both before and during the COP29 summit.
The international community’s response to these developments will determine much about the tone of discussions at the climate summit. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have urged the European Union and various governments attending COP29 to prioritize human rights advocacy within their agendas. The call is clear—they should voice condemnation of current policies and demand the release of all political prisoners as part of their diplomatic engagements.
Azerbaijan's position within the global energy market complicates matters. While the EU has increasingly turned to Azerbaijani oil and gas, especially against the backdrop of decreasing reliance on Russian energy sources due to the conflict there, this reliance can obscure serious human rights violations. Aliyev’s government, having successfully navigated international relations to become a key energy supplier, seems to have found ways to sidestep accountability.
Forecasting the outcome of COP29, experts expect much of the discussion to navigate through these complicated waters. With the reality of climate change pressing forward, critics argue the hypocrisy of hosting climate conversations amid repressive measures against activists and the media may lead to heavy scrutiny of Azerbaijan’s legitimacy as host.
With noticeable tensions amplifying before the summit, the narrative suggests Azerbaijan might attempt to use COP29 to show its commitment to climate initiatives, all the mientras diverting from the undeniable plight of its critics. The gathering could well serve as both platform and stage—showing off Azerbaijan's potential as a climate-conscious nation on one hand, whilst simultaneously highlighting the very real threats facing those who dare speak truth to power within its borders.
