Support COP29 human rights and climate justice campaign

Climate Observer Partnership and the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) are partnering to launch a campaign (https://www.cop29.host/petition) addressing the Azerbaijani government’s ongoing human rights violations, particularly as the country prepares to host COP29 and assume the COP presidency for the following year. This initiative seeks to challenge Azerbaijan’s efforts to "greenwash" its image while continuing to repress journalists, activists, young scholars and national, religious and ethnical minorities.

We are raising funds to support our activities during and after COP29, during Azerbaijan’s presidency, to keep human rights at the forefront of global discussions. These funds will enable us to travel, engage with international organizations, and advocate for the release of over 300 political prisoners. We aim to expose the government's repression of civil society and ensure that Azerbaijan’s climate leadership doesn’t obscure its human rights violations. Famil Kalilov’s story is an outstanding example amongst many others who experienced the politically motivated crackdown on civil society.

This campaign is crucial because it brings global attention to the link between climate action and the protection of fundamental freedoms (e.g. freedom of speech). As Azerbaijan attempts to position itself as a climate leader (also its economy relies heavily on oil and gas), it’s vital to hold attention on its continued suppression of dissenting voices.

Your contribution will help us sustain our advocacy over the next 12 months, allowing us to raise awareness at key international events and press for accountability. With your support, we can ensure that climate action and human rights are treated as inseparable issues, pushing for meaningful change in Azerbaijan.

Your contribution and support to our cause will help us to continue our advocacy work at the United Nations by holding side events during the sessions of the Human Rights Council or intervening directly at the Council as a representative of civil society, to raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in Azerbaijan. We also participate in key international events such as the OSCE Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw, denouncing the Azerbaijani regime and the crimes it has committed. Our advocacy work also includes pressing for accountability through various channels such as press statements, journal articles, petitions against Azerbaijan’s greenwashing and many more. With your support we can ensure that our work is effective, and that climate action and human rights are treated as inseparable issues to bring meaningful change in Azerbaijan.