Azerbaijan’s government is facing criticism for cracking down on media and civil society activism ahead of hosting the crucial UN climate talks. Human Rights Watch documented the arrest or sentencing of at least 25 journalists and activists in the past year, raising concerns about stifled climate advocacy amid a media clampdown.
Azerbaijan, ranked 154th out of 180 countries in corruption by Transparency International, is known for curtailed freedoms and holding political prisoners. President Ilham Aliyev’s regime has faced scrutiny for human rights abuses and alleged genocide during a war with Armenia.
Campaigners fear that Azerbaijan’s presidency at Cop29 may overshadow its human rights issues. A protest at a pre-Cop29 meeting in Bonn called for the release of political prisoners, while activists like Myrto Tilianaki and Paul Polman push for attention on Azerbaijan’s records.
The Azerbaijani government denies any crackdown and insists on legal due process. However, hosting Cop29 following authoritarian leaders at previous climate conferences raises concerns about advancing climate action amidst repression of civil society. The international community must confront any attempts to weaken climate policies while attending the talks in Azerbaijan.