Azerbaijan is attempting to suppress discussions on its human rights record at COP29 by potentially empowering authorities to punish critics, according to a leaked hosting agreement. This raises questions about free speech and the real implications of participating in the conference, amidst concerns over Azerbaijan’s crackdown on dissent.
Azerbaijan is attempting to suppress discussion regarding its human rights record during the upcoming COP29 climate conference, scheduled to be held in its capital, Baku, from November 11 to November 22. According to a leaked version of the hosting agreement between Azerbaijan and the UNFCCC, provisions exist that may empower Azerbaijani officials to take action against individuals who criticize the nation’s domestic policies. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has highlighted that the agreement raises concerns over freedom of speech, as it creates ambiguity about the potential legal ramifications for participants and their expressions during the conference. Specifically, while the hosting agreement grants participants immunity for statements made in their official roles, it also imposes a duty on them to respect Azerbaijani laws and not to interfere in the country’s internal affairs, without clearly defining what may constitute such interference. This vagueness has led to fears that expressing concerns pertaining to Azerbaijan’s treatment of dissenters or human rights issues could lead to reprisals from the government. In light of Azerbaijan’s increasing crackdown on dissent over the past year, HRW criticized the UNFCCC’s handling of the hosting negotiations, urging that measures be taken to ensure a climate conference that respects human rights. They criticized the lack of transparency surrounding such agreements and called on the UNFCCC to publicly disclose all hosting agreements to enhance accessibility. Prominent voices such as Frank Schwabe, a member of the German delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, emphasize the necessity of addressing Azerbaijan’s human rights situation during COP29. He remarked that there should be no fears associated with critiquing the government. In a related development, it has been reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the conference, avoiding potential diplomatic tensions for President Aliyev’s government.
The upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku has become a focal point for discussions regarding Azerbaijan’s domestic human rights policies. The leaked hosting agreement signals potential restrictions on free speech, raising alarms about the government’s ability to silence dissent and criticism in the context of a global environmental conference. This situation is exacerbated by Azerbaijan’s ongoing suppression of dissenters, which has drawn international scrutiny. The role of international organizations, such as the UNFCCC, in enforcing human rights during such conferences is also under examination.
In summary, Azerbaijan is making efforts to limit discussions regarding its human rights record during the forthcoming COP29 climate conference, as indicated by the leaked hosting agreement. The ambiguity surrounding participants’ rights to speak freely raises serious concerns about potential government reprisals against critics. While prominent voices advocate for open discussion about Azerbaijan’s internal issues, the lack of transparency in international agreements adds to the complexity of ensuring a rights-respecting environment at the conference.
Original Source: eurasianet.org
