The Climate Observers Partnership, represented by the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS), Institute for Human Rights, and Green and Better World, delivered a joint statement on March 14th during the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
The statement highlighted the continuous repression in Azerbaijan against environmental defenders, journalists, and activists, particularly in the lead-up to and during COP29 in Baku. The organizations expressed deep concern over the persisting trend of host countries targeting outspoken activists, journalists, and human rights defenders during international climate summits.
“Azerbaijan has exemplified the disturbing practice of silencing environmental activists before, during, and after COP29,” the statement read. The crackdown began nearly a year ago with the arrest of Anar Mammadli, head of the Justice for Climate Initiative. Today, yet another member of the initiative, Bashir Suleymanli, has been detained for his work. In addition, Azerbaijani activists Mammad Mammadzade, Khalid Agaliyev, and Hafiz Hasanov were arrested today as part of the ongoing suppression of civil society and environmental voices.
“These actions violate fundamental human rights and undermine the integrity and inclusivity of global climate negotiations,” the organizations stated. They urged the international community to hold Azerbaijan accountable for these violations and to take concrete steps to protect human rights defenders and environmental activists worldwide.
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